The Coalition Government is currently undergoing a huge drive to identify and cut unnecessary red tape that impacts on business.   Last month, Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, announced a review of the introduction of 200 regulations that have yet to come in force and will cost £19bn to implement.

In the past, lobby groups have been criticised for complaining about the burden of red tape, without providing specific examples of where this burden could be reduced. The BCC needs these specific examples in order to push for a better trading environment for all Chamber members.

The business cost of dealing and complying with new laws and regulations over the last 12 years in Sussex has risen to £2.6 billion cumulatively.  The highest reported regulatory costs are incurred by Brighton & Hove’s businesses at £448 million, followed by Wealden at £325 million. To see the cost of red tape to businesses in Sussex by area, click here. 

The following are the most prominent areas that affect business:

• The Built Environment – planning and building regulations
• Business Law – issues relating to setting up and operating a company, including auditing etc.
• Employment – all issues relating to employing somebody (e.g. permanent workers, interns etc.
• Environmental and local regulation – the full range of environmental regulation (e.g. air quality, local environmental quality, waste) and issues relating to enforcement at a local level
• Transport – regulations covering transport operations and transport service providers, (e.g. shipping, ports and provision of freight and rail services)
• Workplace Health and Safety – regulations that primarily deal with the protection of workers

If you have any examples of where specific regulations in the above areas (or any other areas) could be cut, please contact liz.cadman@sussexenterprise.co.uk.

The Government is also soliciting examples through the following website.