31/08/10
The government is placing all regulation under ever greater inspection. From 1 September a "one-in, one-out" system will be applied to new proposals.
When ministers seek to introduce regulations that impose costs on business or the third sector, they must identify regulations with an equivalent value that can be removed.
The fresh look is welcome. Water UK supports the aims of reducing administrative burden, applying regulation more flexibly and seeking innovative, non-regulatory ways of achieving desired outcomes.
It should not be forgotten, however, that regulation is both inevitable and valued in providing people with confidence in the quality of essential services. As a Defra discussion paper on the natural environment puts it, regulation can raise performance when used wisely.
See also 'Structural Reform Plan outline proposals', below.
New rules to hand over powers to individuals and companies by cutting red tape and bureaucracy
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Contact: Rob Wesley
