Scrutiny of simplification plans
What are simplification plans?
In response to the Better Regulation Task Force report 'Less is
More' government departments, agencies and regulators are developing
forward plans. These should reduce regulatory burdens and secure a smarter
regulatory environment through:
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Deregulation - removing regulations from the statute book, leading to
greater liberalisation of previously regulated regimes;
-
Consolidation - bringing together different regulations into a more
manageable form and restating the law more clearly;
-
Rationalisation - using 'horizontal' legislation to replace a
variety of sector specific 'vertical' regulations and resolving
overlapping or inconsistent regulations; and
-
Administrative burdens reductions - simplifying forms, increasing the
intervals between information requests, sharing data etc.
Examples of simplification include:
-
merging funding streams
-
removing obsolete regulation
-
developing a framework for a risk based approach to inspection
-
developing proposals to ensure consistency of enforcement
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reducing the number of targets imposed on frontline staff
-
reducing the volume of communications to frontline staff
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progress on mergers of regulators
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revising codes of practice and guidance
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streamlining data requirements
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reducing the frequency of inspection
-
reductions in burdens resulting from the introduction of information and
communications technology initiatives
-
simplifying procurement procedures for suppliers and purchasers
-
reducing the bureaucracy for those making claims
What is the aim of simplification plans?
Success will be achieved if the proposed measures deliver a net reduction
of administrative costs and a real, tangible decrease in regulatory burdens
that matter most to stakeholders.
The aim is to maintain proper limits to protect rights and standards while:
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allowing business to be more productive and competitive;
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public services to be effective and affordable;
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voluntary organisations to thrive without bureaucracy; and
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citizens to exercise freely their rights and responsibilities.
What is the Commission's view on simplification plans?
The Commission has been asked to provide independent scrutiny of the
simplification programme. We are asking the following four questions of
each plan:
-
Is it credible with stakeholders?
-
Is it properly quantified?
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Is it ambitious, imaginative and aggressive?
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Will it be delivered?
How can I get involved?
Please do not hesitate to email the Commission if
you would like to discuss our role or views on simplification plans.
If you would like to make a simplification proposal then we encourage you
to visit: http://www.betterregulation.gov.uk/.
