Partner Article

Government 'committed' to reducing red tape

A government-wide action plan identifying over 500 ways to reduce red tape was unveiled by the Prime Minister yesterday. The government ‘Simplification Plans’ are intended to save business and the third sector over £2 billion in administrative costs. A government spokesperson has said that the measures have been identified as a result of consultation with business, public and third sector organisations. Their aim is to cut administrative burdens by 25% by 2010.

The Prime Minister Tony Blair said: “The UK is one of the best places to do business and we need to keep it that way. The exercise to produce these simplification plans has been extensive and far-reaching. It demonstrates the commitment across government and the regulators to reduce the admin burden of regulation to the benefit of business, our public services and the voluntary sector. These are thorough and detailed action plans that will deliver year-on-year reductions in the administrative burden of regulation.”

Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden said: “Businesses repeatedly cry out for government to cut through red tape and feel they have heard it before. Today we are announcing not a new pledge but a detailed and specific plan of action, involving 500 initiatives to ease the administrative burden. We will continue to work in collaboration with business to build on these initiatives and to make billions of pounds worth of real savings.”

The plans for removing red tape include reducing data and information demands, developing improved online systems for charities, and simplifying the procedures through which companies suggest recommendations to the government.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .