A new Bill that aims to streamline and make regulation more effective has been introduced into the Scottish Parliament.
The Regulatory Reform (Scotland) Bill will create more favourable business conditions for Scotland, bring greater efficiency and consistency to public services and help improve the environment.
It will lead to the introduction of national regulatory standards and introduce a duty for regulators to contribute to sustainable economic growth as well as improve the performance of planning authorities by establishing a legislative link between planning fees and performance. It will also make it easier to bring legal challenges to offshore marine energy decisions.
In terms of the environment, the Bill will lead to a more streamlined and risk-based approach to environmental regulation and introduce tougher enforcement tools so that SEPA can tackle poor environmental performance, non-compliance and environmental crime more effectively.
Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing said: ‘Regulation is important for supporting Scotland’s economy, environment and communities both now and in the future, particularly when it is applied effectively and in a business-friendly way. This Bill will make improvements that will streamline the system to help deliver savings and improved public services.’
‘I know from personal experience that better regulation can make a real difference. As Minister for Community Safety I oversaw a review of fire safety regulations in the bed and breakfast sector of our tourism industry. I worked with all sectors involved to simplify the requirements and we reduced the average cost of compliance to business by more than ninety per cent while maintaining the necessary high safety standards. Improving the performance of the planning system is also a key element of the Scottish Government’s programme to strengthen the economy.’
‘We recognise that authorities are under pressure, that is why we are increasing fees, and this will be linked to improved performance. A high level group has been established with COSLA, Heads of Planning Scotland and key agencies to review and support improved planning performance across Scotland. This Bill is a significant step forward in further enhancing the way we deliver regulations and supporting our businesses to make a contribution to Scotland’s sustainable economic growth.’
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Paul Wheelhouse said: ‘Our environment and economy are inter-linked and need to be protected. This Bill is part of a wider Better Environmental Regulation programme that has already delivered benefits for businesses, communities and our environment. This Bill will enhance SEPA’s ability to respond to environmental issues more effectively. It will support a proportionate response to issues; supporting businesses to comply but allowing us to target resources to address risk and to deal robustly with criminal behaviour.’
Federation of Small Businesses’ Scottish Policy Manager and member of the independent Regulatory Review Group, Susan Love said: ‘Too often, Scottish small businesses are faced with regulations which are either unclear, inconsistently interpreted or differ, without good reason, from place to place. This needlessly takes up precious time and too often adds to the costs of businesses who simply want to follow the rules. This sensible Bill will give Scotland a clearer and more consistent regulatory approach and will help make the country become a better place to do business.’
The Bill also reflects the fact that having a good environment is integral to having a good economy.
SEPA Chairman David Sigsworth said: ‘As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, we want to use the best approaches, skills and tools to achieve real results for the environment, the economy and communities. This Bill will help us do that, and I welcome the input we have had from stakeholders in developing the proposals. Our core purpose is still to protect and improve the environment; and in doing so we can, and will, both support communities and deliver benefits for Scotland’s economy’.
Scottish Government News: LINK
