Plans to reduce the amount of red tape that businesses must go through were announced this week as the Department for Business Innovation and Skills aims to help companies grow during the tough times.
The planned changes to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill include:
- simplifying entry procedures into bankruptcy by removing the court process when it is not needed, saving individuals, Government and businesses time and money; and protecting individuals, by providing guidance and a legal defence, from committing the criminal cartel offence
- removing automatic liability on business for civil damages in health and safety cases, when they are not found negligent
- exempting intermediary companies from the Estate Agents Act, to encourage new businesses to flourish
- reforms to listed building planning consent
- removing employer liability for third party harassment cases
Business Minister, Jo Swinson, said: “The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill will help strengthen the business environment and boost confidence, by sweeping away needless bureaucracy and out-of-date rules.”
In our experience, remaining compliant with the sheer volume of regulatory legislation can prove difficult for some businesses, so any move to reduce the red tape is to be welcomed.
By insolvency solicitor, Kathryn MacLennan
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