Business to press Government on regulation

GOVERNMENT representatives will be grilled on the burdensome cost of red tape to businesses tomorrow (Thursday). The event follows an announcement by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce that the cumulative cost of regulation to businesses in the East of E

GOVERNMENT representatives will be grilled on the burdensome cost of red tape to businesses tomorrow (Thursday).

The event follows an announcement by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce that the cumulative cost of regulation to businesses in the East of England has risen to £6.9billion since 1998, up from £5.8 billion last year.

Karen Hill from the Government's Better Regulation Executive will seek to explain how local and central government are simplifying and improving legislation to reduce the burden on businesses.

The BRE has overall responsibility for the Government's commitment to regulate only when necessary, set targets for reducing the cost of administering regulations and ensure that inspection and enforcement of regulation is both proportionate and risk-based.

John Bridge, chief executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: "It is not just businesses in the East of England who are affected by growing regulatory burden. Overall, the cost of regulation on businesses in the UK since 1998 has risen to £65.99 billion, up from £55.66 billion in 2007.

"While we understand that proportionate regulation is necessary, we must make the powers that be understand that constant review is essential to ensure that regulations are necessary, effective and efficient.

"Every year businesses across the UK are going to be hit with an additional £10.4 billion worth of regulation unless action is taken. Despite two Acts of Parliament designed to reduce the burden, the annual increase has yet to falter."

INFORMATION: "Better Regulation, Better Business" is at Orton Hall, Peterborough, from 8am until 9.45am. Places can be booked by contacting the chambers on 01223 237414.