The Red Tape Challenge (RTC) has been designed to allow the public to scrutinise government regulations and discuss ways in which the aims of these regulations can be fulfilled in the least burdensome way possible. It will ensure that outdated or ineffective regulations are identified and removed or replaced with a more effective way of achieving their goals.
The Red Tape Challenge is being run in a series of themes, which remain live on the Red Tape Challenge website for 5 weeks.
DECC has been involved in the Environment theme and is leading the Energy theme.
The Defra-led Environment theme includes 19 DECC regulations, relating to the Climate Change Act 2008, Carbon Budgets and Emissions Trading. The Environment theme was in the spotlight on the RTC website between September and October last year. We have announced the outcome of the Environment Red Tape Challenge (see letter from Edward Davey).
The Energy theme was in the spotlight on the RTC website for 6 weeks from 25 November to 06 January. DECC has received, via the website, email and formal submission, over 100 responses, containing over 240 ideas and suggestions. Each idea is now being reviewed and advice will be put to Ministers. DECC’s regulations, and proposals for reform, will be scrutinised by the Ministerial Star Chamber in spring 2012 and we expect announcements shortly afterwards.
Over and above the regulations in the Energy theme, DECC has invited comments on all energy-related regulation. In addition Ofgem has invited suggestion on how they can reduce regulatory burdens whilst continuing to protect the interests of gas and electricity consumers. We have shared those ideas that relate to the regulations of other Government Departments with these Departments, and will follow them up.
Although the Red Tape Challenge Energy Theme has now closed to new suggestions, DECC are always open to ideas to improve our regulations. You can still comment by emailing us directly at EnergyRedTapeChallenge@DECC.gsi.gov.uk.