Benefits of Better Regulation
Better regulation benefits businesses, public servants and those in the third sector, as well as members of the public.
The Better Regulation Executive (BRE) works to improve regulation for all these groups by:
- reducing the burdens on business, the third sector and frontline public servants
- improving the quality of regulated information in the public domain
- encouraging a more positive perception of regulation.
Reducing the administrative burden
In 2006 the Government measured the administrative burden of regulation and found that businesses and third sector organisations pay around £20 billion a year to stay compliant. This is just the direct cost of filling in forms, dealing with inspections and providing statutory information to third parties.
Simpler, better-targeted regulation will save organisations time and money. And giving regulators wider, more clearly defined powers will help them target those most at risk.
- What does better regulation mean for businesses?
- What does better regulation mean for the third sector?
Freeing public servants do their jobs
We know that frontline public sector workers are unhappy about unnecessary bureaucracy that takes up too much time.
Reducing the demands on them will free them to focus on their jobs, and provide an even better service to the public.
Helping consumers make more informed choices
Consumer research has revealed that members of the public are overwhelmed by regulated information, such as food labelling and credit agreements. Although businesses spend £1.5bn producing this information for consumers, reports suggest that many find it confusing and unhelpful.
The BRE aims to make consumer information more accessible, while ensuring that it still gives members of the public the protection they need.