Business can shape new risk-based regulations
6 June 2010
Business is being urged to contribute to a new risk-based approach to national regulations, which will help reduce the burden on them and benefit consumer protection at the same time.
The call comes from LBRO, the public body tasked with refreshing the national enforcement priorities in England, and is backed by the British Chambers of Commerce.
BCC policy advisor Steve Hughes said: "Reducing administrative burdens on business is high on our members' wish list. A risk-based approach, with the focus on outcomes rather than ticking boxes, is key to addressing issues relating to red tape.
"The economic climate has altered considerably since the current priorities in regulation were set, and the change of emphasis makes good sense."
The priorities, which can cover a huge range of activity ranging from food safety to trading standards, were last set in 2007 when five areas were selected: air quality, alcohol licensing, hygiene of food businesses, improving health in the workplace and fair trading.
LBRO Chairman Clive Grace said: "This is a prime opportunity for business to help shape the regulatory landscape, and focus efforts to protect the public. We would welcome contributions from the business community in addition to our work with local and national regulators in identifying particular areas for concern.
LBRO, which is responsible for improving how local regulation works, has recently completed work with the Welsh Assembly Government on enforcement priorities for Wales, which proved the value of having a wide range of input including from an expert ‘user' group of representatives from local authorities and professional bodies.
The work is evidence-based and LBRO will gather evidence during this summer, with the priorities to be published in draft form for consultation in the autumn.
Following consultation, the final priorities are expected to be put before ministers early in 2011.
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Jo Barker or Roland Curtis. Tel: 0121 226 4019.
Email: jo.barker@lbro.org.uk or roland.curtis@lbro.org.uk