A new group in Scotland is considering options to help reduce the
financial burden of upcoming regulations on businesses.
At its first meeting the Regulatory Joint Taskforce, established
by Deputy First Minister as part of wider measures to
support business in November’s Emergency Budget Review, agreed to
initially consider the impact of upcoming devolved legislation
and examine whether planned new regulations can be amended or
streamlined while still delivering on their core aims.
It will also consider longer-term improvements to regulatory
processes.
The Joint Taskforce, co-chaired by Business Minister and COSLA Environment and
Economy spokesperson Councillor Gail Macgregor, will draw members
from business organisations, regulatory bodies and local
authorities.
Mr Swinney said:
“The current cost crisis – and the economic pressure on families,
business and our public finances – is the worst since devolution.
The Scottish Government is committed to doing all it can to ease
that pressure but we are constrained by the limits of devolved
powers and the fixed nature of our budget.
“While we continue to call on the UK Government to do more, we
want to look at ways to reduce costs on business and so help them
create and sustain jobs. I have listened to business
organisations and the Joint Taskforce will initially examine new
regulations and identify actions that could reduce any additional
burdens they might impose.
“It is important we take a collaborative approach, so I asked
COSLA to joint chair the group and business to help set its
agenda. The membership may change depending on the regulations
and issues being discussed.
“The Joint Taskforce will also help deliver our wider commitment,
made in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation, to
improve the process of developing, implementing and reviewing
government regulation.”
COSLA Vice-President Cllr Steven Heddle said:
“The cost crisis is creating very difficult conditions for
businesses and COSLA welcomes the opportunity to work with the
business sector and the Scottish Government to ensure that we are
aware of the impact that any new regulations may have on
businesses and consider ways to minimise that impact."
Background
While the Joint Taskforce will initially focus on upcoming
devolved legislation and its cumulative impact, it is
envisaged it will later be able to consider legislation already
in place.
