Better regulation - Simplifying regulation
Cutting Red Tape
Defra launched its third Simplification Plan, Cutting Red Tape, on Tuesday 11 December 2007.
Defra has made a commitment to reduce its administrative burdens by 25% by 2010. This will be a net reduction. The simplification initiatives included in this plan will deliver a net decrease of 29% taking into account the new regulations that will come in over the next three years.
This is a rolling plan and we would like to encourage policy teams to seek out ideas for further initiatives from their stakeholders.
PLEASE NOTE: The reference on Page 52 to proposed changes for Plant Breeders' Rights has been amended. Following the initial consultation on better regulation proposals, it has emerged that stakeholders in general are not in favour of abolishing UK legislation on Plant Breeders Rights. Consequently, Defra does not intend to pursue this particular proposal.
- Cutting Red Tape, Defra’s Simplification Plan 2007 (PDF 350 KB)
Defra responds to the Lifting the Burdens Taskforce Report
The Lifting the Burdens Taskforce was established by the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) in 2006, to undertake a review of the bureaucratic burdens that exist between central and local government in the areas of regulatory functions and performance indicators.
Defra welcomes the recommendations set out by the Taskforce in the report and have taken on board many of the Taskforce’s comments, working closely with Local Authorities (LAs) and the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) in developing the Local Government Performance Framework.
In responding to the report, we have weighed up the drive towards greater local autonomy and burden reduction against the need to collect and use data to support evidence based policymaking and monitor performance, as well as the critical role LAs play in delivery of our agenda.
- Defra's reponse to the Lifting the Burdens Taskforce Report (PDF 150 KB)
- CLG's Lifting the Burdens Taskforce Report
90 day simplification proposals
On Friday 4 May 2007 the Better Regulation Executive relaunched its Better Regulation website. This site will act as the single portal for all 90 day simplification proposals submitted to government departments.
Businesses wishing to put forward simplification suggestions should visit www.betterregulation.gov.uk for guidance on how to submit proposals and ideas.
Page last modified: 01 February 2008