Share your views on red tape website

Share your views on red tape website

The government has stepped up its bid to reduce the ‘burdens of regulation' and cut protection for workers and public by inviting comment on the ‘Red Tape Challenge.' The Department for Business has set up a website and is monitoring responses from the public with a view to abolishing regulations unless a compelling case can be made to keep them.

Between June and September it will consult on ten important areas - including equalities, health and safety, the environment, employment and energy.

It is also seeking views on ‘general regulation' covering issues like safety, employment law and pensions.

Prospect head of research Sue Ferns said: "We are urging members to visit the website and add their views. There are cases where cutting red tape can be used as a smokescreen for reducing vital protections to workers and the public.

"We need to make sure that this initiative is not used to find ways to do things on the cheap. Our members' specialism and expertise makes them well placed to comment on these issues."

Members can do so at this link

Meanwhile trade magazine Retail Week quoted comments from business secretary Vince Cable suggesting that the government's initiative has backfired during the consultation on retail regulations.

Cable told the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Symposium that the website is being targeted by lobby groups who want more regulation, and that retailers "haven't won the argument" over reducing regulation yet.

"The challenge in some ways has slightly backfired. People who want regulation are bombarding the website so we're getting more people clamouring for regulation."


  • 10 Jun 2011