This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Improving Regulation annual report
24/08/2006
A second annual report published today outlines the Executive's targeted approach to improving regulation by feeding into Whitehall operations and influencing thinking in the European Commission and Whitehall.
Improving regulation says improved regulation, inspection and procurement is central to delivering the Executive's commitment to grow the Scottish economy.
Enterprise Minister Nicol Stephen said:
"Better regulation is in all our interests - business and consumer.
"By working closely with industry we can jointly maintain the momentum to improve Scotland's regulatory environment. I strongly support the industry led initiatives to improve regulation, inspection and procurement in Scotland.
"Reducing bureaucracy for business and front line staff in the public sector is essential if we are to improve productivity and competitiveness, and to deliver better public services. It is an agenda to which I attach the highest importance.
"We are working hard with our regulatory agencies to eliminate unnecessary regulation and introduce sound, risk based enforcement.
"A major priority is the removal of barriers to SMEs accessing public sector procurement opportunities. A full review has been carried out and the challenge now is to deliver."
The vast majority of regulations affecting Scottish business come from either Brussels or London.
The annual report looks at new regulatory developments in the European Union and in the United Kingdom. However the majority of the report is concerned with initiatives and processes here in Scotland that are improving the regulatory environment and numerous examples of good practice are highlighted.
Examples of progress made in Scotland include:
The reduction of form filling for farmers - claims can now be made through one combined form instead of up to eight separate forms
- Improved stakeholder consultation on the Common Fisheries Policy
- The introduction of business friendly legislation in the Scottish Parliament
- Making the current public sector procurement system easier for SMEs to access and use
- The streamlining of the monitoring/enforcement/inspection regimes for care homes
- The giving of business advice at HM Customs and Revenue open days
The Framework for Economic Development in Scotland (FEDS) states:
"The Executive has a responsibility to protect individuals, society and the environment, and will, therefore, maintain an appropriate regulatory framework. It is, however, also important not to impose unreasonable compliance burdens on individuals or enterprises. Where there is a need to regulate, the Executive will adhere to the key principles of good regulation: proportionality, transparency, accountability, targeting and consistency. In particular, the dangers of imposing a disproportionate burden on smaller businesses will be closely monitored and addressed as necessary".