§ 25. Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement about the Government's deregulation strategy. [75383]
§ Mr. KilfoyleThis Government are committed to ensuring that regulations are necessary, fair, effective, command public support and balance the benefits and costs.
My officials in the Better Regulation Unit have published new guidance to help departments to apply the Task Force's principles of good regulation and to assess the impact of regulatory proposals. When we consider regulating we will consult widely, and listen to those affected to ensure a balanced approach. No regulatory proposal which has an impact on businesses, charities or voluntary bodies should be considered by the Government without a thorough assessment of the risks, costs and benefits, a clear analysis of who will be affected and an explanation of why non-regulatory action would be insufficient. This guidance has been welcomed by the Prime Minister and commended to all Ministers and officials.
The Better Regulation Task Force supports our efforts to ensure that unnecessary regulatory burdens are identified for removal or reform. We welcome, for example, their work on Liquor Licensing and Long-term Care.
709WWe are currently consulting on proposals to extend the order-making power in Section 1 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 to remove outdated and unnecessary legislation, without removing any of the safeguards.