MPs discuss small business red tape
Mon, 13 Jul 2009
The issue of small business bureaucracy has been discussed by a Parliamentary committee set up to look into the regulatory burden placed upon businesses.
Research conducted by the Forum of Private Business (FPB) was discussed in a section of the debate considering public perception of regulation.
Last month, the FPB reported that small firms in the UK face a combined red tape bill of around £12 billion, due to the need to comply with regulations relating to areas such as health and safety, tax, employment law and environmental guidelines.
The study also indicated that the average company loses around 37 man hours every month fulfilling compliance obligations.
The FPB referendum findings were raised by Labour MP Judy Mallaber, who said they highlighted the general dissatisfaction with regulation faced by businesses.
Ian Lucas MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Regulatory Reform, said that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills had taken on board the concerns of the FPB and its members.
Commenting on the debate, FPB policy representative Matt Goodman said it was "fantastic" to see elected representatives paying attention to the concerns of small businesses.
He added: "Our research shows that compliance with regulation continues to be burden on FPB members. It is critical that those who pass the laws understand their impact and I think the FPB's lobbying work helps provide that insight."
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