This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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First Improving Regulation Annual Report
13/12/2004
Scotland's first Improving Regulation Annual
Report highlights the fact that most regulations that
affect Scottish businesses are generated at either an EU or
UK level.
The report reveals that in 2003/4 the Executive
completed 30 Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIA) of various
policy initiatives. Of these, only 11 were Scottish
initiatives - the rest were from the EU. This compares with
182 RIAs at a UK level, of which 30 dealt with EU
initiatives.
These figures back up anecdotal reports from Scottish
businesses, who believe that EU regulation along with UK
reserved areas of regulation such as employment and health
and safety make the most demands on their resources.
Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace said the report proved
how crucial it was for the Executive to engage
constructively at both EU and UK levels to help ensure
Scottish issues are taken into account.
The Minister also spoke of the importance of ensuring
Scots businesses are not held back by out-dated,
unjustified or over-zealously enforced regulation - no
matter where the origin of the regulation was.
He said:
"The report is the first of its kind in Scotland and we
are committed to producing one annually from now on. This
will help us drive the improving regulations agenda forward
and demonstrates our commitment to openness and listening
to business.
"As this report is the first it looks at the progress we
have made since devolution. And I believe progress so far
has been good.
"Scotland's devolved government has introduced easier
and more meaningful consultation procedures, ensured
Regulatory Impact Assessments accompany legislative
proposals, brought in measures to review legislation after
its introduction, sought alternatives to legislation, fed
in to EU and UK legislative reviews and encouraged our
agencies to adopt an appropriate enforcement regime without
unnecessary gold plating or over zealous interpretation of
legal provision. Essentially we want to ensure that
regulations are as "light touch" as possible."
Despite the progress made, Mr Wallace urged businesses
and individuals to help continue the good work by "naming
and shaming" the regulations causing them concern.
He promised that if the regulation falls within devolved
powers, the Executive would either provide a rationale for
it - or take remedial action.
Mr Wallace said over-regulation is a problem much quoted
by business as holding them back.
"We are committed to helping business and, as a result,
improving regulation is something I have made a
priority.
"Good regulation is, of course, about striking a
balance. Where regulation is necessary and justified to
protect for example the environment, or the workforce, we
will continue to support it.
"However we intend to target regulations that are
unjustified or over-zealously enforced. By doing so we will
foster conditions in which Scottish businesses can continue
to flourish and the Scottish economy can continue to
grow
"That is why we need the help of businesses to point out
the devolved Scottish regulations which are most damaging.
We need to hear of regulations which are past their sell by
date and should be weeded out. We will either justify or
remedy any regulations businesses highlight as a
problem."
"The annual report demonstrates that the EU and UK are
the main sources of regulations effecting Scotland. That is
why it is crucial we engage at this kind of level if we are
to reduce the regulatory burden.
"That is why I have been raising these matters in my
recent meetings in Brussels and Whitehall. I am determined
to work with business and to tackle the issue of regulation
at home, in London and in Europe."