A committee tasked with reducing the regulatory burden on business met for the first time today.
The committee, chaired by Business Secretary Vince Cable, began a sweeping review of all regulations introduced by the last government but yet to come into force.
Referring to the 'Your Freedom' campaign launched today by Nick Clegg, who is inviting members of the public to suggest unnecessary and intrusive legislation for repeal, Vince Cable said: “As the Deputy Prime Minister said today, we need to change the balance of power away from the state and back to individuals, businesses and communities.
“For too long, there has been a misplaced notion that Government’s job is to regulate. That is not the case. Regulation should be the last resort.
“This committee, along with the new 'challenge group', will help change the culture of Government and find new ways of solving problems, reducing the red tape that is strangling enterprise. We need businesses to drive the growth our economy needs, not be tied up with form filling, and the Government is determined to do all it can to make that happen.”
The government has already announced that the controversial IR35 legislation, which aims to reduce tax avoidance among the self-employed, is likely to be scrapped.
We want to know how best to scale back excessive regulation that denies businesses the space to innovate. We’re hoping for virtual mailbags full of suggestions
Nick Clegg
Writing in the Telegraph, Nick Clegg reiterated small-business minister Mark Prisk’s invitation to the small-business community to suggest how red tape can be reduced: “We want to know how best to scale back excessive regulation that denies businesses the space to innovate. We’re hoping for virtual mailbags full of suggestions. Every single one will be read, with the best put to Parliament.
“It is a radically different approach. One based on trust. Because it isn’t up to government to tell people how to live their lives. Our job is to empower people, giving you the freedom and support to thrive.
“That belief is right at the heart of this Coalition. And both coalition parties recognise that Whitehall doesn’t have a monopoly on the best ideas.
“So, finally, after years in the wilderness, freedom is back in fashion. This is our chance to redraw the boundaries between citizen and state. It’s your chance to have your say.
Seeking to involve the public in decision-making has been a central plank of the coalition’s approach since gaining power. George Osborne also recently invited the public to contribute suggestions as to how and where the axe should fall with regards to spending cuts.
