The UK launched its report on 'Better regulation, better benefits: getting the balance right'

The UK is pleased to announce the launch of the Benefits of Regulation project.  The project produced four written papers, available from our website http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/bre/benefits/better-benefits/page53245.html

These four outputs are:

Our findings on good practice: 'Better regulation, better benefits: getting the balance right'

·          The Main report which focuses on the benefits regulation can bring, and how to get them through good practice in policy development, highlighting the 3Cs of Clarity, Commitment and Compliance. It also details what influences perceptions of regulation and how they might be improved.  This report summarises the longer case studies and research (available separately) . 

·          The Case studies report gives six detailed case studies showing what good practice regulation can do both in delivering its intended benefits, and doing so in an efficient and popular way.  The cases covered are: Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations, air quality regulation, national minimum wage,  the smokefree law, compensation claims management regulation and the 'Safer food, better business' initiative.  COMAH and air quality regulations stem from EU directives, and 'Safer food, better business' is a support approach that helps small firms comply with EU food rules.

The joint statement: 'Better regulation supports better outcomes'.

The joint statement demonstrates the widespread consensus that better regulation brings better outcomes that is held by a range of British stakeholders. All UK Government Departments recently agreed to become signatories and it has also been signed by stakeholders including the TUC (representing Trade Unions), Consumer Focus, CBI, IoD, Federation of Small Businesses, British Chambers of Commerce and the Forum of Private Business.

The results of new research: 'The Benefits of Regulation – A public and business perceptions study'

This research report was commissioned by the Better Regulation Executive, the Environment Agency, the Food Standards Agency and the Health and Safety Executive. It informed the perceptions section of the main report.  It includes results of interviews with citizens and businesses, as well as a quantitative survey on perceptions of regulation.