Better for Business
LBRO is the independent expert in the better regulation of business by local authority regulatory services: environmental health, fire safety, licensing and trading standards. We use our unique relationships to act as a catalyst for change, creating the right conditions to cut red tape for UK businesses and provide targeted protection for consumers, workers and the environment.
A key way we approach this task is by listening to business and providing evidence-based advice to the Government on local regulation. For example, prior to the return of VAT to the rate of 17.5 per cent on 1 January 2010, businesses saw the 14 day period for changing prices as insufficient. Our subsequent recommendation to BIS that the time available should be extended to 28 days was accepted.
Moreover, in June 2009, we issued advice and guidance to 375 local authorities on measures that could be used to support businesses, especially SMEs, drawing on the face-to-face contact that officers in the regulatory services provide.
Working with the BRE and the BIS Enterprise Directorate, we have conducted interviews with representatives from some of the UK's smallest businesses. The information gathered is informing our initiatives in partnership to deliver outcomes for SMEs and regulators, through means such as targeted advice and clearer guidance. In general, our evidence base shows that small companies would prefer a ‘one stop shop' approach. This is less appropriate for businesses requiring specialist approaches or that have substantial in-house compliance monitoring and assurance.
Our vision is as follows:
- Legislation is simpler to understand.
- Streamlined procedures save time and money.
- Access to expert advice about regulatory issues is readily available.
- Burdens on the law-abiding are reduced.
- Companies have a greater say in local regulation.
- Many businesses benefit from working in close partnership with their local authority.
