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Implementation

BERR is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Directive with colleagues across Whitehall, the Devolved Administrations, Local Authorities and Regulators.  The Directive fits in with the UK Better Regulation Agenda, where strong links have been identified with current reform agendas like the administrative burdens measurement exercise and Transformational Government – see Better Regulation Executive Website in External links for more detail.

Work to implement the Directive has begun. We have until 28 December 2009 to ensure all elements of the Directive are in place. We will be focusing on:

screening - ensure all legislations/licences and administrative practices relating to service providers comply with the Directive, meaning remove or amend any laws and practices which create unjustifiable barriers to trade;

point of single contact - setting up an online portal through which businesses will be able to complete the formalities and procedures needed to set up a business or provide a service on a temporary basis

Mutual assistance – Regulators will be enabled to co-operate more efficiently with their counterparts in other Member States. This will mean fewer burdens on business e.g. checking documentation.

Quality of services – the Directive also includes provisions on rights for service recipients, such as making information on redress schemes more readily available.

In addition, each Member State is required to report back to the Commission (end of the implementation period) on what legislation and practices they have retained and the justification.

To ensure UK businesses benefit from the Directive fully, we will be working closely with the Commission and Member States to ensure a cohesive approach is taken across the EU.  The Commission have planned to hold several Working Groups during the course of the implementation stages with Member States, to discuss aspects of the Directive and share best practice. The UK will be playing an active role in these.

We will continue to liaise with our stakeholders on a regular basis. If you would like regular updates please email: servicesconsultation@berr.gsi.gov.uk with your contact details. We are planning a public consultation in the autumn – more information will be available nearer the time.

For more details on what the Directive might mean for you and why it’s good news for service providers and consumers, see Services Directive in a nutshell.