This is archived web content selected for preservation by The National Archives.
This snapshot was taken on
05/09/2007
.
External links, forms and search boxes may not function within these archived websites.
.

Main navigation

Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill receives Royal Assent

8 November 2006
CAB066/06

The Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill became an Act of Parliament today. The Act will allow the Government to do more to strip away outdated and unnecessary red tape to further reduce burdens on businesses, public and voluntary sectors.

From 8 January 2007 the Act will be used to help deliver the Government's Better Regulation agenda. Right now, government departments and some regulators are preparing to publish simplification plans with specific proposals to deliver cuts in red tape. Some of these will require amendment of legislation. Where appropriate, the Act will be used to help merge the existing 31 national regulators into 7 themed bodies as recommended by Philip Hampton in his 2005 report.

Hilary Armstrong, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said:

'The Government has a responsibility to ensure that the UK stands its ground in an increasingly dynamic and competitive global economy, and that regulation does not prevent our public servants and voluntary workers from serving our citizens. This Act will allow Government to do that by providing mechanisms to deliver real and meaningful cuts in red tape on business, public services, charities and voluntary organisations.'

Pat McFadden MP, Cabinet Office Minister said:

'Some regulation serves a purpose and brings invaluable benefits. The Government makes no apology for those necessary laws providing protections like health and safety in the workplace, rights for employees and consumers, fair competition in business, and protection for the environment and vulnerable groups in society. This Act will help ensure that where regulation is necessary, it is as transparent and user friendly as possible.'

William Sargent, Executive Chair of the Better Regulation Executive said:

'This Act allows out-of-date or unnecessary legislation to be removed more quickly and efficiently. It is a tremendous step forward which will allow us to reap the benefits of the simplification proposals which departments have identified. It is part of fulfilling the Government's commitment to deliver on what is the most ambitious better regulation agenda in the world.'

Notes to Editors

  1. The Better Regulation Executive based in the Cabinet Office coordinates work across government to improve the quality and effectiveness of regulation. More information on the unit and the Act is available on the BRE website.
  2. The Hampton report [HMT website]was published in the Budget 2005 it reviewed regulatory inspection and enforcement with a view to reducing the administrative cost of regulation to the mimimum consistent with maintaining the UK's excellent regulatory outcomes.
  3. In 2005 the Better Regulation Task Force (BRTF) published its report 'Less is more' [BRC website] and identified a number of ways in which the administrative burden of regulation on businesses can be reduced, while maintaining or improving regulatory outcomes. The Better Regulation Commission has taken over from the BRTF as an independent advisory body to the Government.

Cabinet Office Press Office

Cabinet Office
Press Office
70 Whitehall
LONDON SW1A 2AS

Tel: 020 7276 0317
Fax: 020 7276 0618

www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk