§ Mr. WattsTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps she has taken to improve public sector regulation. [119662]
§ Marjorie MowlamThe Government are concerned about the amount of red tape and bureaucratic procedures that are affecting the delivery of public services to the
390Wcitizen. I recently established a team within the Regulatory Impact Unit in the Cabinet Office to examine and review the red tape and bureaucracy that exists within the Public Sector and to recommend ways of reducing them. I asked the Public Sector Team to produce an initial report on police paperwork, in conjunction with the Government Departments with responsibility for the criminal justice system.
391WI am delighted to publish today their report called "Making a difference: Reducing Police Paperwork", copies of which I have placed in the Libraries of the House. The report recommends a number of deregulation measures on police paperwork, which my ministerial colleagues and I hope will free up police time, enabling them to deliver their front line services more effectively.
The Public Sector Team will continue to work towards making regulation in the criminal justice system more efficient and effective, and will, in due course, also turn their attention to regulation affecting health, schools and local authority issues.