Actions for better local regulatory enforcement
30 November 2006
CAB/070/06
A new front in the Government's drive to make regulation simpler, more effective and better value for money has opened. The Better Regulation Executive in the Cabinet Office will deliver a number of actions, announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which will have a significant impact on how local authorities enforce regulation. Eighty percent of inspections are carried out by local authorities. These important next steps will support them in providing a better service for businesses and consumers.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Hilary Armstrong MP, said:
'Better regulation in central government will save business £billions, but it is local government that can make the biggest difference on the ground. Everyday, they make the decisions that directly affect how people live and do business. Our aim is to work with local authorities to give them the flexibility to apply regulation appropriately for individual cases. This means a lighter touch for those who abide by the law while getting tough on the rogues.'
Local authority regulatory services are key to the successful delivery of the Hampton agenda. To help them implement a more consistent risk-based approach at local level:
- Peter Rogers, Chief Executive of Westminster City Council has been appointed to lead a major review to identify five national priorities for local authority enforcement so as to reduce regional variations and to reduce the burden caused by heavy handed enforcement on low-risk issues. The Review is writing to regulators and local authorities outlining the 60 areas it will be considering.
- The timetable for establishing a new Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) has been brought forward from 2009 to 2007. LBRO have its own board, including representatives of business and, crucially, with professional experience of local authority regulatory services. LBRO will be asked to help Local Authorities tackle inconsistencies in enforcement in different areas of the country.
- The Government has accepted in full the recommendations of the Macrory review of regulatory penalties. This will give enforcers and new flexible 'tool-kit' of sanctions to use against those who break regulations. This will allow local authorities to be more lenient with minor accidental infringements and more severe with persistent offenders.
- Establishing the Regulators' Compliance Code requiring regulators at both national and local levels to have regard to the Hampton principles. We plan that it should be enacted by the Autumn to come into force in April 2008.
- The Retail Enforcement Initiative pilot, which has seen inspections and form filling reduced by one third in Bexley and Warwickshire will be extended to 70 more local authorities.
Cabinet Office Press Office, Press Officer: Stephen Coomber
Cabinet Office
Press Office
70 Whitehall
LONDON SW1A 2AS
Tel: 020 7276 0317
Fax: 020 7276 0618
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
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The Better Regulation Executive in the Cabinet Office works across government to reduce and remove unnecessary regulation for the public, private and voluntary sectors. Further information is available on the BRE website.
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The Hampton review on regulatory inspection and enforcement set out five principles of better regulation: Further information is available on the HM Treasury website.
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The Treasury announced a number of Better Regulation actions on 28 November 2006. Further information is available on the HM Treasury website.
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The Rogers Review. More information can be found on the Review on the Reviewing Regulation pages.
