TARGETED REGULATION TO BENEFIT BUSINESSES AND ENFORCERS

A package of measures to save firms some 64 millions pounds in unnecessary compliance costs and to give better support to local regulators has been announced by the Cabinet Office. An estimated 80 per cent of all business inspections are carried out by council staff responsible for enforcing environmental health, trading standards and alcohol and gambling licensing legislation.

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PUBLIC ASSETS SALE PLANNED

A plan for the sale of public assets to local communities will be launched next week by Communities and Local Government. The sell-off follows publication of a report on Community Management and Ownership of Assets. The report argues that transferring public assets from local councils to communities not only leads to more responsive services that meet local people’s priorities, but can also create more confident empowered communities with greater civic spirit. Community ownership can bring people from different backgrounds together; it can foster a sense of belonging and play a role in enhancing the local environment, alleviating poverty and raising people’s aspirations.

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The Regional Centres of Excellence have produced a guide for councils using E-auctions. The guide aims to share the latest best practice and legal advice for a well tried procurement route that can reduce the cost of goods and services by up to 50 per cent. Careful planning and execution are essential and it is also crucial that councils work together to maximise the savings opportunities that are available.The Regional Centres of Excellence Procurement Programme is seeking to transform local government procurement and deliver major efficiencies in the 40 billion pounds spent each year on goods and services. The nine Regional Centres of Excellence, which are funded by Communities and Local Government, are the lead change agents for local government efficiency. They are supporting councils to secure millions of pounds in efficiencies that are being re-invested in better front-line services.

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