Clegg calls for ideas on cutting red tape

DEPUTY Prime Minister Nick Clegg yesterday called on businesses to identify the regulations they want to see cut as part of wider Government moves to repeal unnecessary legislation.

The initiative, known as Your Freedom, is an appeal to the public for their ideas in three areas – reducing business and third sector regulation, cutting unnecessary laws and restoring civil liberties.

Mr Clegg said: “We are turning things on its head. The traditional way of doing things is that government tells people what to do.

“That is the old way of doing things. We are saying, ‘Tell us what you don’t want us to do’.”

Ministers have promised to put forward a Freedom Bill in the autumn to repeal unnecessary legislation which will take into account the suggestions made through Your Freedom.

Business leaders can make their views known at http://yourfreedom.hmg.gov.uk/.

Yesterday also saw the first meeting of a new Government committee, chaired by Business Secretary Vince Cable, that will review existing regulations and challenge Departments to make the case for new regulations.