National recovery could come from overlooked quarter
There's an important yet often overlooked group who have a critical role to play in national economic recovery - local councils.
The claim comes from the UK's red tape cutters, LBRO, who have published guidance on ways councils can support businesses - and in turn consumers - which will be discussed at its forthcoming national conference.
The guidance demonstrates how environmental health, fire safety services, licensing and trading standards have an important role, with examples of issues such as work-related ill health, alcohol misuse, even taxi licensing, can be tackled in ways that promote prosperity.
Speaking ahead of LBRO's conference at the London Metropole Hotel on Thursday, November 19, its chairman, Clive Grace, said: "The debate around the national economy has been dominated by sums so huge that they challenge our ability to comprehend them and put them in context.
"It is too easy to forget where the majority of our prosperity is generated: the small and medium size grass roots businesses in towns and cities up and down the country; and their local authorities can make a huge difference to them and how they prosper."
LBRO, the public body for simpler local regulation, says local authorities can help boost local prosperity by making rules easier to follow and cutting the cost of complying.
Subsequently, its conference theme will be around forging a new relationship between business and local regulators. The keynote address will come from the Minister for Business and Regulatory Reform, Ian Lucas MP.
Among the key speakers will be Karren Brady, former Managing Director of Birmingham City Football Club, and Ipsos MORI UK and Ireland Chief Executive, Ben Page, who will chair a session on local regulation's impact on quality of life.
Clive will open the first conference session. He said: "The value of simpler, more effective local regulation has never been so widely recognised and understood, and this greater awareness offers the opportunity for better working between regulators, business and consumers.
"The potential long term benefits of boosting economic prosperity and improving the quality of life for everyone are very significant. We want this conference to help forge a new relationship with business and consumers."
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Journalists are welcome to attend the LBRO Conference. For a free media delegate place please call 0207 324 4330 or register online at www.neilstewartassociates.com/sa257.
2. The Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) helps local authorities improve their environmental health, trading standards, fire safety and licensing services - reducing burdens on businesses that comply with the law while targeting those who flout it. It was incorporated as a government-owned limited company in May 2007. Following the commencement of the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008 on 1 October 2008, it now operates as an executive non-departmental public body, accountable to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills through the Better Regulation Executive. LBRO is governed by an independent Board, has a staff of around 25 and is based in central Birmingham. Our remit covers the whole of the UK and we liaise closely with the devolved administrations to ensure our work in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is appropriate. For further information please visit http://www.lbro.org.uk/
Media enquiries to Jo Barker or Roland Curtis. Tel: 0121 226 4019.
Email: jo.barker@lbro.org.uk or roland.curtis@lbro.org.uk