What is the Red Tape Challenge?
On 7th April 2011, Prime Minister Cameron announced plans for a Red Tape Challenge. The announcement came with the launch of a website, which urges the public to root out and help eradicate unnecessary regulations.
Red Tape Challenge
The Red Tape Challenge is a Government scheme that aims to cut out needless regulations that are damaging the economy and presenting businesses with extra baggage. Mr Cameron has asked people to come together to put forward evidence of regulations that they feel do not work and thus create difficulties.
The Prime Minister said that it is his intention to “tackle regulation with vigour.” He went on to say: “There are over 21,000 statutory rules and regulations in force, and I want us to bring that number, and the burden it represents, down. Indeed, I want us to be the first government in modern history to leave office having reduced the overall burden of regulation, rather than increasing it.”[1]
Opportunity
Gus O’Donnell, Cabinet Secretary, welcomed the announcement, saying that it signified a perfect “opportunity to drive changes.” Addressing all Permanent Secretaries, O’Donnell said that he would ensure that regular meetings were held in order to address the situation, describing it as a “high personal priority.”[1]
Moving forwards, the Government has pledged to reveal all regulations corresponding to a specific industry every few weeks. Then, the public will decide which regulations are necessary and which can potentially be adapted or shelved.
Following feedback from the public, ministers have three months to decide what to do with each regulation.
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/red-tape-challenge–7