Cut red tape to hit target FPB urges Government
The FPB's Policy Representative, Martin Smith, said the document delivered a lot of the promises of old, but little in the way of cuts in the red tape strangling smaller businesses."The Government's promised actions are limited entirely to 'better' regulation, and there is no recognition at all that a reduction in the stock of regulations is necessary." He is also concerned that this approach could lead to complacency and a belief that they are delivering on their pledge to cut red tape by 25%, without making real changes for smaller companies.On page nine of the publication, the Government claims: "We have redesigned VAT registration application (forms and guidance) making applications easier and quicker - which benefits 280,000 businesses each year."But Mr Smith said that contradicted messages being sent out elsewhere: "At the same time as this was being published, HMRC was admitting to industry groups that VAT registration turnaround times had worsened and were unacceptable." he said, referring to the Joint Vat Consultative Committee meeting held at the Treasury on the same day.The FPB welcomes aspects of the publication, including the news that 18 Government departments have committed to a reduction in the administrative burden of 25% by 2010, which will result in £2 billion of savings.DBERR quotes FPB research.The report drew upon research carried out by the FPB into the cost of compliance for smaller firms, which showed that, on average, they spend 14 hours a month on health and safety issues.The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is to introduce sector-specific risk assessments, and review guidance information in order to help businesses navigate health and safety regulation.