Thousands take up the Red Tape Challenge
Over 6000 ideas and suggestions have already been submitted to cut back red tape.
Thousands of businesses and members of the public have taken up the Red Tape Challenge, with over 6,000 ideas and suggestions in the first week of the new website, which is part of the Plan for Growth.
Comments have called for changes to, and the end of, many of the rules and regulations that affect the retail sector, from Sunday Trading to bike safety.
The opportunity to comment on regulations affecting the retail sector runs until 4 May. The following day will see the launch of regulations for the hospitality, food and drink sector.
Over 6,000 comments have been made during the first week of the new website, including discussions around:
- Simplifying the complex range of age restrictions on buying products, making it easier for businesses and consumers to understand.
- The use of metric and imperial measures and simplifying weights and measures regulation.
- Amending the egg marketing regulations. Small scale producers could then sell their eggs to local retailers without eggs having to be stamped, promoting growth and local produce.
- Repeal of Trading with Enemy Orders.
Retail sector champion, Dr Kevin Hawkins, welcomed this initial response but urged more retailers, suppliers, trade associations and consumers to get involved and suggest easier, less bureaucratic ways to tackle the issues raised. He said:
“The response so far has been outstanding, but make no mistake this is an opportunity that is too good to miss.
For the first time the Government wants to hear from those at the sharp end of the complex, sometimes overwhelming, amount of regulation. Tell us about those rules that really waste your time and money or better still suggest ways of tackling the issues that will make life better for you and your customers.
“And with the burden of responsibility on Ministers to make a case to keep regulations, it’s your voice that will shape the decisions on the way we do business in the UK.”
Have your say on the Red Tape Challenge