BIS asks for feedback on enforcement
The business department (BIS) has launched a new campaign asking businesses how enforcement of regulations by government agencies can be improved
Following Defra’s proposals to alter UK environmental regulation as a part of the red tape challenge, BIS has announced it wants to hear from companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about their experiences of being inspected and assessed against legislation.
The “Focus on enforcement” initiative has been created, according to business secretary Vince Cable, to combat barriers to growth created by the existing regulatory regime.
“The government knows that ill thought-out regulations cost businesses time and money – which is why it devised the red tape challenge. But sometimes the regulations are fine, it is inconsistent, inappropriate or overlapping enforcement that is the problem,” he said.
"The initiative gives all businesses, but especially smaller and medium-sized firms that often feel the disproportionate weight of inspection and compliance, the chance to make a real difference to the way regulators visit, inspect and advise business and enforce the law.”
Similar to the red tape challenge, the scheme will ask for feedback on specific areas of legislation, before moving on to another area. It also asks firms for ideas on new approaches that would work more efficiently. Regulations covering chemicals, SMEs in food manufacturing and volunteer events are the first ones being considered.
Those interested in participating or suggesting future areas for review can do so at the Focus on enforcement website.
The launch of the BIS scheme chimes with Defra’s proposals from the red tape challenge and its review into the implementation of the Habitats Directive, both of which concluded that greater collaboration between regulatory bodies and better sharing of information could help to combat the confusion and difficulties organisations face under the current system.