§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the work being carried out by the Small Business Council to lessen the impact of regulations on small businesses; and if she will make a statement. [89829]
§ Nigel GriffithsI am encouraged by the work the Small Business Council does at an early stage of policy development to inform Ministers and officials of the needs and concerns of small businesses, and by the effect this will have on the productivity and profitability of this important segment of the economy.
The SBC has been involved in or is currently working on:
The strengthened guidance on the Small Firms Impact Test;The Pensions Green PaperThe Inland Revenue's Construction Industry Scheme (CIS);Flexible Working Hours and Temporary Workers (a European Directive);A number of the consultation documents e.g. that on commencement dates for changes to employment law on the review of Employment Status;The simplification of Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme;Other business support schemes e.g. the "time off for training" issue, suggesting possible alternatives to legislation.In addition the SBC has submitted evidence to the Parliamentary Select Committee with regard to Planning and the Chair of the Council attends the Ministerial Panel on Regulatory Accountability.