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Smarter Regulation Framework

The Department for Business and Trade is developing a Smarter Regulation Framework to improve how regulatory requirements apply to small public bodies and civil service organisations. The framework addresses challenges small bodies face in implementing compliance standards, HR requirements, and shared services, with recommendations for proportionate support and consolidation where appropriate.

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2026

17 events
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

Government’s requirements for delivering specialist functions such as digital and procurement effectively are often ill-suited to small bodies. Government’s requirements for delivering specialist functions (functional standards) and their associated guidance can be useful to small bodies, but they are often designed with larger organisations in mind. For example, the guidance refers to roles such as complex HR casework specialists and trained fraud risk assessors. Small bodies do not typicall...

Government’s requirements for delivering specialist functions such as digital and procurement effectively are often ill-suited to small bodies. Government’s requirements for delivering specialist functions (functional standards) and their associated guidance can be useful to small bodies, but they a

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

Sponsor departments and the centre of government can do more to help small bodies apply requirements effectively and proportionately. Small bodies would benefit from greater support to help them comply with requirements. In large organisations, staff can specialise in specific areas and readily draw on the expertise of colleagues. By contrast, small bodies often rely on a few individuals who must cover a wide range of areas and may lack specialist skills to implement certain requirements. Spo...

Sponsor departments and the centre of government can do more to help small bodies apply requirements effectively and proportionately. Small bodies would benefit from greater support to help them comply with requirements. In large organisations, staff can specialise in specific …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

Relying on shared corporate services such as HR, estates and finance is not always the best option for small bodies. Shared corporate services, such as estates and IT, have the potential to deliver efficiencies and free up resources in small bodies to focus on frontline delivery. Under the government’s shared services strategy, organisations across the civil service are expected to migrate to shared service centres that will provide HR, payroll and other back-office functions. Small arm’s-len...

Relying on shared corporate services such as HR, estates and finance is not always the best option for small bodies. Shared corporate services, such as estates and IT, have the potential to deliver efficiencies and free up resources in small …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

Since launching the ongoing public bodies review, government’s efforts have focused on consolidating larger bodies. However, there are also significant benefits in consolidating smaller bodies where appropriate, beyond the potential to achieve efficiency savings and economies of scale. The Government Actuary’s Department and the Office of the Children’s Commissioner have told us that they struggle to develop internal expertise, ensure resilience, and that the standards that they are required ...

Since launching the ongoing public bodies review, government’s efforts have focused on consolidating larger bodies. However, there are also significant benefits in consolidating smaller bodies where appropriate, beyond the potential to achieve efficiency savings and economies of scale. The Governmen

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

While successive governments have consolidated some public bodies, they have also set up new bodies, including small ones. When our predecessor Public Accounts Committee reported on arm’s-length bodies in 2021, it found that, despite the guidance that creating a new arm’s-length body should be a “last resort”, government often did not rigorously consider the alternatives to setting up a new arm’s-length body.8

While successive governments have consolidated some public bodies, they have also set up new bodies, including small ones. When our predecessor Public Accounts Committee reported on arm’s-length bodies in 2021, it found that, despite the guidance that creating a new …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

The Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Children’s Commissioner told us that, there can be a sound rationale for having separate small bodies, such as when legislation requires an office holder to be independent.9 But the opposite is also true. All Government Departments should think carefully about the principles embodied in their report before providing draft legislation setting up new large and small bodies. The government has stated that the reorganisation of public bodies will not ...

The Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Children’s Commissioner told us that, there can be a sound rationale for having separate small bodies, such as when legislation requires an office holder to be independent.9 But the opposite is …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

The Government’s Actuary’s Department and the Office of the Children’s Commissioner told us that the preparation and audit of their ARAs can be timeconsuming.17 This limits their ability to pursue other valuable work and brings limited benefits.18 The Electoral Commission told us in a written submission that compliance with requirements creates a significant workload and can invite a “tick-box” approach designed solely to meet audit expectations, rather than deliver meaningful outcomes.19 Sub...

The Government’s Actuary’s Department and the Office of the Children’s Commissioner told us that the preparation and audit of their ARAs can be timeconsuming.17 This limits their ability to pursue other valuable work and brings limited benefits.18 The Electoral Commission …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

Some aspects of the functional standards, their supporting guidance and self-assessments are better suited to large organisations which have experts in a range of specialist areas than to small organisations which operate in a more agile way.26 For instance, the Government Actuary’s Department told us that the security standard, which sets expectations 17 Qq 10 and 47 18 C&AG’s Report, para 23 19 Dr Henry Midgley, Professor Laurence Ferry and Honorary Professor Aileen Murphie (SGB0002); Elect...

Some aspects of the functional standards, their supporting guidance and self-assessments are better suited to large organisations which have experts in a range of specialist areas than to small organisations which operate in a more agile way.26 For instance, the …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

The functional standards include advisory elements. Organisations can choose to either comply with them or explain why they have not complied with them.29 The Ministry of Justice told us that this approach is probably more weighted towards “comply” than “explain”.30 It noted that more openness on when certain types of organisations do not need to follow specific standards would be helpful, for instance through examples or frameworks for decision-making.31 A submission from the Electoral Commi...

The functional standards include advisory elements. Organisations can choose to either comply with them or explain why they have not complied with them.29 The Ministry of Justice told us that this approach is probably more weighted towards “comply” than “explain”.30 …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

The Cabinet Office told us that, in the light of feedback from government bodies, it has asked the government functions to provide more guidance on how to apply the standards proportionately.33 The functions are currently revising standards and guidance in the light of Project Reset, which plans to transfer more responsibility for enforcing spending controls from the functions to departments. The Cabinet Office told us that these revisions will consider the perspective of small organisations....

The Cabinet Office told us that, in the light of feedback from government bodies, it has asked the government functions to provide more guidance on how to apply the standards proportionately.33 The functions are currently revising standards and guidance in …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

Some of the functions’ self-assessments and guidance require specialist expertise that small bodies often lack. For instance, the criteria for a ‘good’ level of compliance with the HR standard include escalation to complex casework specialists.35 Small bodies often rely on their sponsor department to access this expertise.36 The Ministry of Justice told us that it tailors the support it provides to each of its sponsored bodies based on their operations, budget and risks.37

Some of the functions’ self-assessments and guidance require specialist expertise that small bodies often lack. For instance, the criteria for a ‘good’ level of compliance with the HR standard include escalation to complex casework specialists.35 Small bodies often rely on …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

Small bodies rely on support from the Cabinet Office, HM Treasury, and other central government bodies to comply with requirements. It can be hard for small bodies to access this support.38 For instance, the Government Property Agency provides data that the small bodies leasing its office space use to report their performance against the required government sustainability targets. The Government Actuary’s Department told us that the Government Property Agency has at times been difficult to en...

Small bodies rely on support from the Cabinet Office, HM Treasury, and other central government bodies to comply with requirements. It can be hard for small bodies to access this support.38 For instance, the Government Property Agency provides data that …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

Small bodies are not always aware of the support and resources provided by sponsor departments and the centre of government. The Director of Finance and Operations of the Government Actuary’s Department told us that she is only aware of many forums and groups because she has worked in the civil service for many years.40 Small bodies told the National Audit Office that they would benefit from better signposting of existing resources.41 35 C&AG’s Report, para 1.14 36 Q 11 37 Q 19 38 Q 12; C&AG’...

Small bodies are not always aware of the support and resources provided by sponsor departments and the centre of government. The Director of Finance and Operations of the Government Actuary’s Department told us that she is only aware of many …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

Small government bodies often rely on shared corporate services, which are provided by their sponsor department or other organisations. For example, HM Treasury provides IT services and the Government Property Agency provides estates services to the Government Actuary’s Department.42 The Office of the Children’s Commissioner uses the Department for Education’s accounting package and IT services.43 The Ministry of Justice provides transactional finance, HR and commercial activity to the Indepe...

Small government bodies often rely on shared corporate services, which are provided by their sponsor department or other organisations. For example, HM Treasury provides IT services and the Government Property Agency provides estates services to the Government Actuary’s Department.42 The …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

Under the government’s shared services strategy, departments are moving HR, payroll and other back-office functions to shared service centres. Arm’s-length bodies are expected to join their sponsor department’s shared service centres.45

Under the government’s shared services strategy, departments are moving HR, payroll and other back-office functions to shared service centres. Arm’s-length bodies are expected to join their sponsor department’s shared service centres.45 Type: conclusion | Number: 20 | Response status: response_pend

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

The Cabinet Office told us that greater adoption of shared services across government, including by small bodies, can deliver significant savings.46 The Cabinet Office, HM Treasury and Ministry of Justice stated that, for small bodies, relying on shared corporate services is more efficient than maintaining specialist capabilities in-house. Shared services can deliver economies of scale and allow for greater sharing of learning between organisations.47 There is also an opportunity for function...

The Cabinet Office told us that greater adoption of shared services across government, including by small bodies, can deliver significant savings.46 The Cabinet Office, HM Treasury and Ministry of Justice stated that, for small bodies, relying on shared corporate services …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

Small bodies told us that shared corporate services do not always suit them. The Office of the Children’s Commissioner told us that delivering back-office functions, such as payroll, in-house allows it to operate more flexibly, at very low cost, and with fewer processes than by using shared services.49 A submission by the Pubs Code Adjudicator stated that reliance on its parent department’s HR support can exacerbate its challenges in recruiting staff with the right skills and experience in a ...

Small bodies told us that shared corporate services do not always suit them. The Office of the Children’s Commissioner told us that delivering back-office functions, such as payroll, in-house allows it to operate more flexibly, at very low cost, and …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2025

1 event

2024

23 events
25 May 2024 | Committee report linked

The Cabinet Office guidance specifies that departments should cover their agencies as well as themselves when responding to health checks, but this is not followed by all 48 Qq 80, 82 49 Q 2 50 NAO insight - good practice guide, Whistleblowing in the civil service, 21 February 2024 51 C&AG’s Report, Figure 4 52 Qq 52, 53 53 Qq 1, 12 54 C&AG’s Report, para 3.11 55 Q 3 56 Q 33 57 Q 21 58 C&AG’s Report Figures 6, 9 59 Q 21 60 Q 12 14 Investigation into whistleblowing in the civil service departm...

The Cabinet Office guidance specifies that departments should cover their agencies as well as themselves when responding to health checks, but this is not followed by all 48 Qq 80, 82 49 Q 2 50 NAO insight - good practice …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
25 May 2024 | Committee report linked

We were interested to hear from departments on any improvements that they think can be made in terms of how they can help maintain a high standard of whistleblowing across the civil service. DWP suggested that large departments have a responsibility, as they are better resourced and have more expertise, to help support other organisations that deal with fewer cases, such as smaller agencies and arm’s-length bodies. The Cabinet Office told us it can take this idea away and look at it. DWP also...

We were interested to hear from departments on any improvements that they think can be made in terms of how they can help maintain a high standard of whistleblowing across the civil service. DWP suggested that large departments have a …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
16 May 2024 | Announcement Department for Business and Trade linked

Smarter Regulation Programme Update

UIN: HCWS468 A year ago, the Government established the Smarter Regulation Programme to focus on improving regulation across the UK economy to reduce burdens, push down the cost of living and drive economic growth.Today, I am pleased to be able …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
16 May 2024 | Announcement Department for Business and Trade linked

Smarter Regulation Programme Update

UIN: HLWS468 My Rt Hon Friend the Secretary of State for Department of Business and Trade (Kemi Badenoch MP) has today made the following statement.A year ago, the Government established the Smarter Regulation Programme to focus on improving regulation across …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
16 May 2024 | Policy paper Department for Business and Trade Context · primary home: Regulating for Growth Bill linked

Smarter regulation: delivering a regulatory environment for innovation, investment and growth

This white paper covers government’s aims to ensure the UK regulatory landscape delivers a world class service.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Smarter regulation: delivering a regulatory env…
+4 more
↓ Smarter regulation: delivering a regulatory environment for… (84pp) ↓ Smarter regulation: delivering a regulatory environment for… (84pp) ↓ Supplementary document: the growth duty performance framewo… (11pp) ↓ Supplementary document: summary of findings from the smarte… (40pp)
16 May 2024 | Consultation outcome Department for Business and Trade linked

Smarter regulation: strengthening the economic regulation of the energy, water and telecoms sectors — outcome published

We’re seeking views on specific proposals to improve the economic regulation of the water, energy and fixed telecoms sectors regulated by Ofwat, Ofgem and Ofcom.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Smarter regulation: strengthening the economic … (106pp)
+1 more
↓ Rheoleiddio Doethach: Cryfhau rheoleiddiad economaidd y sec… (6pp)
15 May 2024 | Committee report linked

In our February 2024 report on cross-government working we highlighted that a lack of routine data sharing between departments and poor arrangements for sharing best practice and learning. Learning lessons from major projects can, however, be a challenge because of the nature of some projects. It may not be immediately clear, for example, what projects can learn from such specific projects as the Millennium Dome, the London 2012 Olympics, or the programme to maintain a nuclear deterrent. That...

In our February 2024 report on cross-government working we highlighted that a lack of routine data sharing between departments and poor arrangements for sharing best practice and learning. Learning lessons from major projects can, however, be a challenge because of …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
2 May 2024 | Committee report linked

The desire to avoid onerous bureaucratic burdens on small or sole operator lobbyists is laudable. However, it is important that concerns about regulatory burden, which will already be lower on smaller operations undertaking less work, do not undermine the primary purpose of the Act, which is to ensure transparency in consultant lobbying. There are other ways of mitigating the regulatory burden on small firms that do not present such a sizeable loophole to allow lobbying to go undisclosed. To ...

The desire to avoid onerous bureaucratic burdens on small or sole operator lobbyists is laudable. However, it is important that concerns about regulatory burden, which will already be lower on smaller operations undertaking less work, do not undermine the primary …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
25 Apr 2024 | Consultation outcome Department for Business and Trade Context · primary home: Regulating for Growth Bill linked

Smarter regulation: regulating for growth — outcome published

We’re seeking views on revised statutory guidance for the growth duty.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation on the Growth Duty, draft statutor… (23pp)
+4 more
↓ Growth Duty: statutory guidance refresh (35pp) ↓ Draft Growth Duty: statutory guidance (pending parliamentar… (37pp) ↓ Government response to the Regulating for Growth consultati… (33pp) ↓ Explanatory memorandum for the Growth Duty statutory guidan… (4pp)
1 Mar 2024 | Committee report linked

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury (the Treasury) about functional savings across government.1 The importance of efficiency savings

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury (the Treasury) about functional savings across government.1 The importance of efficiency savings Type: conclusion | Number: 1 | …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
21 Feb 2024 | Committee report linked

For the non-supervised service providers, Ofcom will monitor their compliance through automated data collection and analysis processes, supported by information from partner organisations that deal with the various harms. Ofcom told us that it has yet to develop the automated systems, but that it hopes the systems will provide an early warning system and enable it to spot emerging risks.25 Ofcom did not plan to ask large numbers of smaller companies for information at this stage, because it c...

For the non-supervised service providers, Ofcom will monitor their compliance through automated data collection and analysis processes, supported by information from partner organisations that deal with the various harms. Ofcom told us that it has yet to develop the automated …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
13 Feb 2024 | Committee report linked

HM Treasury and Cabinet Office have identified a range of barriers to effective cross-government working. The most commonly identified barriers included: structures 7 Q 44; C&AG’s Report para 5 8 Q 1; C&AG’s Report para 6 9 C&AG’s Report para 1.4, Figure 2 10 Q 49; C&AG’s Report para 1.4 11 Qq 2, 38, 45 -46 12 Qq 45, 46 13 Q 2 14 Qq 46, 82 15 Q 38 16 Q 48; C&AG’s Report para 11 17 Q 47 Cross-government working 9 and bureaucracy hindering planning and delivery; ministerial priorities not being...

HM Treasury and Cabinet Office have identified a range of barriers to effective cross-government working. The most commonly identified barriers included: structures 7 Q 44; C&AG’s Report para 5 8 Q 1; C&AG’s Report para 6 9 C&AG’s Report para …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Jan 2024 | Consultation outcome Department for Business and Trade linked

Smarter regulation: strengthening the economic regulation of the energy, water and telecoms sectors — consultation closed

We’re seeking views on specific proposals to improve the economic regulation of the water, energy and fixed telecoms sectors regulated by Ofwat, Ofgem and Ofcom.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Smarter regulation: strengthening the economic … (106pp)
+1 more
↓ Rheoleiddio Doethach: Cryfhau rheoleiddiad economaidd y sec… (6pp)
24 Jan 2024 | Announcement Department for Business and Trade linked

Government response to the consultation ‘smarter regulation: improving price transparency and product information for consumers’

UIN: HCWS203 Today, my Department has published the Government’s response to the consultation on ‘smarter regulation: improving price transparency and product information for consumers’. The consultation sought views and evidence on steps Government could take to impr...

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
24 Jan 2024 | Announcement Department for Business and Trade linked

Government response to the consultation ‘smarter regulation: improving price transparency and product information for consumers’

UIN: HLWS202 My Hon Friend the Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business (Kevin Hollinrake MP) has today made the following statement.Today, my Department has published the Government’s response to the consultation on ‘smarter regulation: improving price tra...

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
24 Jan 2024 | Consultation outcome Department for Business and Trade linked

Smarter regulation: improving price transparency and product information for consumers — outcome published

We are seeking views from anyone who has an interest, expertise, or experience in any or all of the consumer transparency proposals contained in this consultation document.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Improving price transparency and product inform… (41pp)
+5 more
↓ Measures to address drip pricing: impact assessment (42pp) ↓ Measures to improve the price marking order: impact assessm… (44pp) ↓ Measures to address fake online reviews: impact assessment (54pp) ↓ Government response to consultation on 'Smarter Regulation:… ↓ Government response: unit pricing research (55pp)
17 Jan 2024 | Consultation outcome Department for Business and Trade Context · primary home: Regulating for Growth Bill linked

Smarter regulation: regulating for growth — consultation closed

We’re seeking views on revised statutory guidance for the growth duty.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation on the Growth Duty, draft statutor… (23pp)
+4 more
↓ Growth Duty: statutory guidance refresh (35pp) ↓ Draft Growth Duty: statutory guidance (pending parliamentar… (37pp) ↓ Government response to the Regulating for Growth consultati… (33pp) ↓ Explanatory memorandum for the Growth Duty statutory guidan… (4pp)

2023

16 events
22 Nov 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Business and Trade Context · primary home: Regulating for Growth Bill linked

Smarter regulation: regulating for growth — consultation opened

We’re seeking views on revised statutory guidance for the growth duty.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation on the Growth Duty, draft statutor… (23pp)
+4 more
↓ Growth Duty: statutory guidance refresh (35pp) ↓ Draft Growth Duty: statutory guidance (pending parliamentar… (37pp) ↓ Government response to the Regulating for Growth consultati… (33pp) ↓ Explanatory memorandum for the Growth Duty statutory guidan… (4pp)
22 Nov 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Business and Trade linked

Smarter regulation: strengthening the economic regulation of the energy, water and telecoms sectors — consultation opened

We’re seeking views on specific proposals to improve the economic regulation of the water, energy and fixed telecoms sectors regulated by Ofwat, Ofgem and Ofcom.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Smarter regulation: strengthening the economic … (106pp)
+1 more
↓ Rheoleiddio Doethach: Cryfhau rheoleiddiad economaidd y sec… (6pp)
22 Nov 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Business and Trade Context · primary home: Regulating for Growth Bill linked

Smarter regulation: extending the growth duty to Ofgem, Ofwat and Ofcom — outcome published

We’re seeking views on extending the growth duty to include the following economic regulators: Ofgem, Ofwat and Ofcom.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Smarter Regulation: Consultation on extending … (28pp)
+1 more
↓ Government response: consultation on extending the Growth D… (31pp)
17 Oct 2023 | Announcement Department for Business and Trade linked

Smarter Regulation Programme Update

UIN: HCWS1069 My Noble Friend, Minister of State for the Department for Business and Trade (Earl of Minto) has today made the following statement.Today the Department for Business and Trade has launched a Call for Evidence into the regulatory landscape. …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
17 Oct 2023 | Announcement Department for Business and Trade linked

Smarter Regulation Programme Update

UIN: HLWS1055 Today the Department for Business and Trade has launched a Call for Evidence into the regulatory landscape. The Call for Evidence can be accessed via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/smarter-regulation-and-the-regulator...

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
15 Oct 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Business and Trade linked

Smarter regulation: improving price transparency and product information for consumers — consultation closed

We are seeking views from anyone who has an interest, expertise, or experience in any or all of the consumer transparency proposals contained in this consultation document.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Improving price transparency and product inform… (41pp)
+5 more
↓ Measures to address drip pricing: impact assessment (42pp) ↓ Measures to improve the price marking order: impact assessm… (44pp) ↓ Measures to address fake online reviews: impact assessment (54pp) ↓ Government response to consultation on 'Smarter Regulation:… ↓ Government response: unit pricing research (55pp)
15 Sep 2023 | Committee report linked

The IPA suggested that its assurance work has become much more rigorous – it has republished the assurance workbooks it uses to undertake reviews; refreshed its pool of available independent reviewers; and started to provide them with training.33 For the 100 programmes it has the capacity to support, the IPA told us it gets more deeply involved as early as it can to help avoid issues that can lead to a programme failing later. As part of this it will look at, for example, whether there is a r...

The IPA suggested that its assurance work has become much more rigorous – it has republished the assurance workbooks it uses to undertake reviews; refreshed its pool of available independent reviewers; and started to provide them with training.33 For the …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Sep 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Business and Trade linked

Smarter regulation: improving price transparency and product information for consumers — consultation opened

We are seeking views from anyone who has an interest, expertise, or experience in any or all of the consumer transparency proposals contained in this consultation document.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Improving price transparency and product inform… (41pp)
+5 more
↓ Measures to address drip pricing: impact assessment (42pp) ↓ Measures to improve the price marking order: impact assessm… (44pp) ↓ Measures to address fake online reviews: impact assessment (54pp) ↓ Government response to consultation on 'Smarter Regulation:… ↓ Government response: unit pricing research (55pp)
25 Aug 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Business and Trade Context · primary home: Regulating for Growth Bill linked

Smarter regulation: extending the growth duty to Ofgem, Ofwat and Ofcom — consultation closed

We’re seeking views on extending the growth duty to include the following economic regulators: Ofgem, Ofwat and Ofcom.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Smarter Regulation: Consultation on extending … (28pp)
+1 more
↓ Government response: consultation on extending the Growth D… (31pp)
20 Jul 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Business and Trade Context · primary home: Regulating for Growth Bill linked

Smarter regulation: extending the growth duty to Ofgem, Ofwat and Ofcom — consultation opened

We’re seeking views on extending the growth duty to include the following economic regulators: Ofgem, Ofwat and Ofcom.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Smarter Regulation: Consultation on extending … (28pp)
+1 more
↓ Government response: consultation on extending the Growth D… (31pp)
10 May 2023 | Announcement Department for Business and Trade linked

Regulatory Reform Update

UIN: HCWS764 I am pleased to be able to update the House on the Government’s regulatory reform programme, and on amendments that we are tabling to the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill (‘the Bill’). The ability for an …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
26 Apr 2023 | Committee report linked

The statement of AO’s responsibilities in the Department’s ARA outlines the Accounting Officer’s responsibility for the propriety and regularity of the finances allocated to them.36 This is reinforced through HM Treasury’s Managing Public Money 28 BEIS Annual Report & Accounts 2020–21 (parliament.uk) p6 29 The Bounce Back Loan Scheme: an update (nao.org.uk) 30 The Bounce Back Loan Scheme: an update (nao.org.uk) 31 Q 113 32 Q 117 33 Q 118 34 The Bounce Back Loan Scheme: an update (nao.org.uk) ...

The statement of AO’s responsibilities in the Department’s ARA outlines the Accounting Officer’s responsibility for the propriety and regularity of the finances allocated to them.36 This is reinforced through HM Treasury’s Managing Public Money 28 BEIS Annual Report & Accounts …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
26 Apr 2023 | Written evidence linked

In its written evidence, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) drew attention to the Department’s response to our previous report on the BEIS Annual Report and Accounts.38 The ICAEW told us that the Department’s response did not acknowledge its overall responsibility, and that of the Accounting Officer in particular, on fraud recovery linked to Covid schemes.39 We asked the Department to reply to this point, which echoed Treasury guidance. Referring to Bounce Bac...

In its written evidence, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) drew attention to the Department’s response to our previous report on the BEIS Annual Report and Accounts.38 The ICAEW told us that the Department’s response did …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Mar 2023 | Committee report linked

We call on the Government to ensure effective partnerships with business and other related parties on the development of regulation, with better use of impact assessments. It would be for the Government, industry, and regulators to determine the form of any future partnership working, but the evidence presented to us indicates that it would boost business confidence and provide a foundation for mutual understanding and effective communication between industry and Government.

We call on the Government to ensure effective partnerships with business and other related parties on the development of regulation, with better use of impact assessments. It would be for the Government, industry, and regulators to determine the form of …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2022

11 events
30 Nov 2022 | Committee report linked

The quality of published summary AO assessments varied.20 For example, departments generally provided basic information such as background on the programme. But they did not provide more detailed information to help a layperson understand, for example, a programme’s aims. And some provided generic descriptions of how the AO had considered 9 Q 9; C&AG’s Report, para 1.6 10 Qq 14, 43; C&AG’s Report, para 1.15, Figure 5 11 Dear Accounting Officer letter 04/22 – Accounting officer assessments and...

The quality of published summary AO assessments varied.20 For example, departments generally provided basic information such as background on the programme. But they did not provide more detailed information to help a layperson understand, for example, a programme’s aims. And …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
12 Oct 2022 | Committee report linked

The regulators have since been asked (along with the rest of government) to model headcount reductions of 20%, 30% and 40%, which would have significant impacts on these plans. In HSE’s case, it explained that if the reductions are modelled on its existing headcount, the cuts will include all planned growth in addition to 20–40% reductions. It told us that reductions in headcount would mean it was not resourced to take on its new functions and maintain existing ones.26 We questioned FSA on ho...

The regulators have since been asked (along with the rest of government) to model headcount reductions of 20%, 30% and 40%, which would have significant impacts on these plans. In HSE’s case, it explained that if the reductions are modelled …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Jun 2022 | Committee report linked

The Sponsor Body told us it has not estimated the costs associated with dissolving itself, which will depend on what the changes to the governance arrangements and proposed work look like. Depending on their grade, its staff have notice periods of between three and 12 months.35 The independent expert review reported that making structural changes to major programmes, such as revising governance, often introduced new risks. Care needed to be taken to avoid decisions simply compounding issues t...

The Sponsor Body told us it has not estimated the costs associated with dissolving itself, which will depend on what the changes to the governance arrangements and proposed work look like. Depending on their grade, its staff have notice periods …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Jun 2022 | Committee report linked

In February 2022, the House of Commons Commission proposed that the sponsor function should transfer to a “new, separate department serving both Houses”, with its head formally accountable to the Clerk of the House or the Clerks of both Houses and ultimately to the Commissions.37 The House of Lords Commission supported this proposal but not until further considerations on what should replace the Sponsor Body, based on independent advice and assurance, had taken place.38 A meeting of both Comm...

In February 2022, the House of Commons Commission proposed that the sponsor function should transfer to a “new, separate department serving both Houses”, with its head formally accountable to the Clerk of the House or the Clerks of both Houses …

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15 Jun 2022 | Committee report linked

To create and maintain its regulatory independence, and seeking to minimise regulatory burden, the OfS does not maintain close ongoing contact with individual providers it considers at low risk. The OfS explained that it collected “a basic core from every registered university and college” but beyond this it considered its approach was “proportionate to the particular circumstances they face”.17 The National Audit Office reported that the sector bodies and providers it had spoken to told it t...

To create and maintain its regulatory independence, and seeking to minimise regulatory burden, the OfS does not maintain close ongoing contact with individual providers it considers at low risk. The OfS explained that it collected “a basic core from every …

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25 May 2022 | Committee report linked

We asked HMRC what level of non-compliance it expected there to be in smaller public bodies, and whether well-resourced departments struggling to comply is a worrying sign for the reforms more generally. HMRC suggested that smaller organisations may be better placed to comply, if key personnel involved in compliance are closer to the hiring parts of the organisation.11 However, HMRC also acknowledged that its compliance efforts had mainly been focused on government departments so far, after i...

We asked HMRC what level of non-compliance it expected there to be in smaller public bodies, and whether well-resourced departments struggling to comply is a worrying sign for the reforms more generally. HMRC suggested that smaller organisations may be better …

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18 May 2022 | Committee report linked

The success of these larger samples relies on the capacity and cooperation of local authorities to respond to the Department’s requests for information.34 The Department considers that it has not yet given local authorities the opportunity to do the necessary reconciliations, as it has been asking so much of them to deliver grant schemes.35 However, the ICAEW also noted that when government places additional responsibilities on local government, it is vital that it provides sufficient additio...

The success of these larger samples relies on the capacity and cooperation of local authorities to respond to the Department’s requests for information.34 The Department considers that it has not yet given local authorities the opportunity to do the necessary …

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18 May 2022 | Committee report linked

As some COVID-19 business support schemes have increasingly become part of business as usual, the Department told us that, for example in relation to grants distributed by local authorities, its systems and methods are now approaching maturity. It considers it has improved its guidance to local authorities and refined its approach to identifying fraud and error in these grant schemes.59 However, lessons learnt seem to have been largely actions in pursuit of reducing shortcomings in existing s...

As some COVID-19 business support schemes have increasingly become part of business as usual, the Department told us that, for example in relation to grants distributed by local authorities, its systems and methods are now approaching maturity. It considers it …

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13 Apr 2022 | Committee report linked

The Department also does not know in detail what challenges local authorities are facing, and lacks an early warning system to identify where local regulation is failing private renters. It does not collect data, for example, on the number of complaints, the number of inspections, or the number of staff who carry out tenancy relations duties that tackle harassment and illegal eviction. The Department does not have a national framework to provide intelligence and support to local regulators an...

The Department also does not know in detail what challenges local authorities are facing, and lacks an early warning system to identify where local regulation is failing private renters. It does not collect data, for example, on the number of …

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11 Feb 2022 | Committee report linked

We asked about the Cabinet Office’s role in co-ordinating government office space. HMRC said it relies on the controls operated by the Cabinet Office, who look at all new property deals and lease extensions, and make sure those needing space are pointed at HMRC’s buildings. HMRC said space would be let to central government organisations 60 Qq 55–58 61 Q 59 62 Q 65 63 HC Committee of Public Accounts, HMRC performance 2019–20, Thirty-Sixth Report of Session 2019–21, HC 690, January 2021, page ...

We asked about the Cabinet Office’s role in co-ordinating government office space. HMRC said it relies on the controls operated by the Cabinet Office, who look at all new property deals and lease extensions, and make sure those needing space …

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4 Feb 2022 | Committee report linked

The Department failed to provide adequate oversight to its arm’s length bodies (ALBs) and NHS trusts. Guidance issued by Civil Service Human Resources in December 2020 to accounting officers warned that novel financing arrangements, including salary advance schemes, required caution, and needed departmental accounting officer and HM Treasury approvals. The Department has indicated that owing to an oversight, it only recently cascaded the advice to its ALBs. The Department argues that it would...

The Department failed to provide adequate oversight to its arm’s length bodies (ALBs) and NHS trusts. Guidance issued by Civil Service Human Resources in December 2020 to accounting officers warned that novel financing arrangements, including salary advance schemes, required caution, …

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2021

12 events
24 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

Departments do not receive enough support from Cabinet Office in certain aspects of arm’s-length bodies management. When this Committee last reported on ALBs in 2016 we found inconsistencies in the way that departments managed their ALBs. This inconsistency remains, with departments adopting different approaches to ALB sponsorship. Departmental centres of expertise, such as those set up by the Ministry of Justice, are not widespread. Although the introduction of the Code of Good Practice is a...

Departments do not receive enough support from Cabinet Office in certain aspects of arm’s-length bodies management. When this Committee last reported on ALBs in 2016 we found inconsistencies in the way that departments managed their ALBs. This inconsistency remains, with …

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24 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

When proposing a new ALB, the sponsoring department must submit a business case to ministers at both the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury. Each business case must fulfil a number of requirements set by the two departments, including demonstrating the need for an ALB and identifying both a long-list and a short-list of alternative delivery options. The NAO found that not one of the 24 business cases submitted between 2016 and 2020 included all of the details requested by the Cabinet Office, but ...

When proposing a new ALB, the sponsoring department must submit a business case to ministers at both the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury. Each business case must fulfil a number of requirements set by the two departments, including demonstrating the …

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24 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

The Cabinet Office is responsible for publishing guidance for departments and ALBs and provides direct support on any questions or issues. However, out of the departments and ALBs interviewed by the NAO, three quarters said they would welcome increased guidance and support from the Cabinet Office. Nearly half suggested that it could help facilitate better networks across government so that ALBs and departments could learn from each other.17 Some departments, such as the Ministry of Justice, h...

The Cabinet Office is responsible for publishing guidance for departments and ALBs and provides direct support on any questions or issues. However, out of the departments and ALBs interviewed by the NAO, three quarters said they would welcome increased guidance …

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24 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

When this Committee last reported in 2016 it noted that the quality of oversight by departments was inconsistent.20 There remains a lack of consistency in how ALBs work with departments and how they are held to account. In order to try and bring greater uniformity to how departments and ALBs work together, the Cabinet Office introduced its Code of Good Practice in 2017. However, the Cabinet Office does not monitor whether departments follow this code in practice and told the NAO that its curr...

When this Committee last reported in 2016 it noted that the quality of oversight by departments was inconsistent.20 There remains a lack of consistency in how ALBs work with departments and how they are held to account. In order to …

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24 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

The Accounting Officer for the Ministry of Justice explained her responsibilities for the risk and performance of the ALBs within the Ministry of Justice departmental group boundary. As part of this, the Ministry of Justice requests performance, financial and risk data from its ALBs on a regular basis.29 However, the Cabinet Office does not require departments to provide it with information on the risks in their ALBs, and standardised data on the risks across ALBs still does not exist. HM Tre...

The Accounting Officer for the Ministry of Justice explained her responsibilities for the risk and performance of the ALBs within the Ministry of Justice departmental group boundary. As part of this, the Ministry of Justice requests performance, financial and risk …

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24 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

The NAO report highlights that best practice relationships between a sponsor department and an ALB include the sharing of performance information and risk-based data which is discussed on a regular basis.33 The Ministry of Justice told us that one of the main reasons it does not have all the data it needs to effectively oversee its ALBs is the continued use of legacy IT systems. Aging IT means departments cannot always capture the data they need in the right way and different systems cannot t...

The NAO report highlights that best practice relationships between a sponsor department and an ALB include the sharing of performance information and risk-based data which is discussed on a regular basis.33 The Ministry of Justice told us that one of …

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15 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

Regulatory bodies do not have a good enough understanding of the costs and benefits of regulation, risking value for money. Robust analysis of the costs and benefits of regulatory activity is essential for effective regulation, value for money and accountability. The regulators we questioned were not able to put a full monetary cost on their regulatory activity, including the wider costs to industry of complying with regulations. They face challenges in measuring costs and benefits when their...

Regulatory bodies do not have a good enough understanding of the costs and benefits of regulation, risking value for money. Robust analysis of the costs and benefits of regulatory activity is essential for effective regulation, value for money and accountability. …

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15 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

The Department views its role as supporting coordination and dissemination of best practice across the regulatory system. However, it told us it is the responsibility of individual sponsoring departments to provide appropriate governance of regulatory bodies, including oversight of value for money.23 It also confirmed that government has a role to play in setting the strategic and legislative frameworks that enable regulators to do their jobs effectively.24 23 Q 71 24 Q 87 12 Principles of ef...

The Department views its role as supporting coordination and dissemination of best practice across the regulatory system. However, it told us it is the responsibility of individual sponsoring departments to provide appropriate governance of regulatory bodies, including oversight of value …

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15 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

We questioned Ofcom, the Environment Agency and the HSE on the extent to which they are able to capture the cost of their regulations on their sectors. Ofcom told us it is stepping up its efforts to measure its impact since this committee’s 2019 report. But it also set out the challenges that regulators face in measuring costs and benefits when their focus is often on reducing risk, where it can be difficult to determine what would have happened if the regulator had not acted.27 The Environme...

We questioned Ofcom, the Environment Agency and the HSE on the extent to which they are able to capture the cost of their regulations on their sectors. Ofcom told us it is stepping up its efforts to measure its impact …

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22 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

The implementation of the Business Appointment Rules would appear to be more complex than it should be. If an official is seeking to leave the Civil Service, it should be clear and obvious to them and to their Permanent Secretary whether an application to ACOBA is required. If there is any doubt, an application to ACOBA should be the default position. If this impacts on ACOBA’s limited resources, then these should be increased to reflect the extra workload. This is in area the Committee inten...

The implementation of the Business Appointment Rules would appear to be more complex than it should be. If an official is seeking to leave the Civil Service, it should be clear and obvious to them and to their Permanent Secretary …

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9 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

We have heard little evidence to support the creation of a separate Department for the Prime Minister. The current Office of the Prime Minister is too small and much of its workforce too transient to be sensibly treated as a distinct department. The creation of a larger department, bringing together Number 10, the Cabinet Office and perhaps parts of HM Treasury has its supporters. However, the detail of this and how it might work are beyond the remit of this inquiry. Moreover, at least some o...

We have heard little evidence to support the creation of a separate Department for the Prime Minister. The current Office of the Prime Minister is too small and much of its workforce too transient to be sensibly treated as a …

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29 Jan 2021 | Committee report linked

In discussing the historic performance on managing major programmes and the challenges they have faced, the IPA stated that the UK government has some of the most novel and complex programmes in the world, that are probably more complex than many encountered in the private sector. Programmes in both sectors face challenges—the IPA stated that a number of studies have suggested that around 75% of major programmes in the private and public sectors, overspend or are delivered late.18 Nonetheless...

In discussing the historic performance on managing major programmes and the challenges they have faced, the IPA stated that the UK government has some of the most novel and complex programmes in the world, that are probably more complex than …

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2020

2 events
25 Nov 2020 | Committee report linked

In any government programme, departments should aim to work collaboratively across government and to involve people with the right skills from the outset. Yet this is not something we always see in the programmes we report on.28 In this case, we heard how the departments’ efforts to involve government departments that were best placed to carry out specific functions contributed to the programmes’ success.29 22 Letter from Second Permanent Secretary, Department of Health and Social Care, to PA...

In any government programme, departments should aim to work collaboratively across government and to involve people with the right skills from the outset. Yet this is not something we always see in the programmes we report on.28 In this case, …

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28 Oct 2020 | Written evidence linked

The FSB informed us that the utilisation of Free Trade Agreements by smaller businesses is disproportionately low when compared to larger firms. It has welcomed the inclusion of a small business chapter in the published objectives for each of the FTA 32 Q 70 33 C&AG’s Report, paras 12, 1.13. 34 Q 34; C&AG’s Report, para 2.20 35 Q 35 36 Federation of Small Businesses written evidence to the Public Accounts Committee inquiry into Government support for UK exporters, 11 September 2020, para 6; a...

The FSB informed us that the utilisation of Free Trade Agreements by smaller businesses is disproportionately low when compared to larger firms. It has welcomed the inclusion of a small business chapter in the published objectives for each of the …

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2019

1 event
11 Jun 2019 | Policy paper Department for Business and Trade Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy linked

Regulation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

This white paper sets out plans to transform the UK’s regulatory system to support innovation while protecting citizens and the environment.

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