23 June 2004
More about the Hampton Review
Q: What is the Hampton Review?
The Hampton Review of Regulatory Inspection and Enforcement was commissioned by Budget 2004. Its remit is to look at the inspection and enforcement of regulations, with a view to streamlining the inspection system without adversely affecting regulatory outcomes. It plans to report at the time of Budget 2005.
Q: What is the review covering?
The Review is looking at all interactions between businesses and regulators - from form filling, through inspection, to enforcement.
It is not looking at the tax authorities (which were covered by the O'Donnell Review earlier this year), or at sectoral economic regulators, such as OFWAT or OFGEM.
Q: Why are sectoral regulators excluded?
Because they only affect a small number of businesses, and the aim of their work is different from other regulators.
Q: Is the Financial Services Authority included?
Yes, because it regulates small businesses such as IFAs and insurance brokers. But the review does not intend to look at its higher-level work, such as bank capital adequacy.
Q: Are local authorities included?
Yes.
Q: Is Scotland/Wales/NI included?
SWANI are included to the extent to which UK-wide regulators cover them. So, for example, the HSE operates in Scotland, and is therefore covered. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency, which does not, is outside the review's scope. The Food Standards Agency is covered UK-wide.
The review is working closely with the devolved administrations.