The Better
Regulation Delivery Office, a new streamlined independent body
that will ensure the voice of business is heard in regulation
policy, has been created within the Department for Business,
Innovation and Skills (BIS).
BRDO has been formed from the Local Better Regulation Office,
with expert staff continuing the operation of Primary Authority
business engagement and developing practical tools for regulators.
This move is designed to strengthen enforcement by bringing
local practice nearer to central regulation policy-making. It will
also remove an arm’s length body, thereby delivering cost savings.
Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said:
“I welcome BRDO staff and the expertise they will bring to the
drive to improve regulation for frontline businesses. Working
alongside the Better Regulation Executive, they will help to
deliver a coherent programme of regulatory reform, and help
British firms get on with running their business.”
BRDO is working towards a clear and easily understood
regulatory environment in which businesses have confidence to
invest and grow, and citizens and communities are properly
protected. BRDO works with business and regulators to improve the
way they experience regulation on a day-to-day basis by:
·
Operating and extending Primary Authority
· Simplifying
regulatory delivery
· Providing a forum for business
engagement
· Providing policy advice to Ministers on effective
regulatory delivery
· Working with Local Enterprise
Partnerships to improve regulation at the local level.
Notes to editors:
1. In May 2010, the Government announced a new approach to
regulation: to reduce the burdens felt by businesses and create a
business environment that promotes growth and enterprise. The
Government consulted on proposals to changes to the enforcement
regime and its response can be found here: http://www.bis.gov.uk/Consultations/transforming-regulatory-enforcement-discussion?cat=closedwithresponse
2. The Government carried out a comprehensive review of public
bodies in 2010 as part of the commitment to radically increase the
transparency and accountability of all public services. The review
of the Local Better Regulation Office concluded there were
advantages in it ceasing to operate as a Non-Departmental Public
Body and instead moving to become part of the Department for
Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
3. BRDO is based in central Birmingham. Its remit covers the
whole of the UK and it liaises with the devolved administrations.
More information can be found here: http://www.bis.gov.uk/brdo
4. Primary Authority gives companies the right to form a
statutory partnership with a single local authority, which then
provides robust and reliable advice for the business, and for
other councils to take into account when carrying out inspections
or dealing with non-compliance.
5. The Better Regulation Executive (BRE) has been instrumental in
putting the coalition's strategy on reducing regulation,
in place. These are the policies and initiatives which have been
designed to:
· bring about a steady change of culture across
government, so that regulation is seen as the last resort and
alternatives to regulation are first considered
· reduce the
regulatory burden to business and civil society organisations.
6. BIS is currently running the ‘Focus on Enforcement’ campaign
which is asking business to tell us where enforcement can be
improved, reduced or done differently and to discover and
celebrate where it works well, so others can learn from it. The
first three reviews were announced at Budget and will cover
chemicals, small businesses in food manufacturing and volunteer
events. These reviews will begin work in April and further details
will be made available soon. More information is available at: http://discuss.bis.gov.uk/focusonenforcement
7. BIS's online newsroom contains the latest press
notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It
also features an up to date list of BIS press office contacts. See
http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom
for more information.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Aidan Steer
Phone: 020 7215 5245
aidan.steer@bis.gsi.gov.uk