FSB voices LBRO concerns

Date: 23rd July 2010

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has voiced its concerns after the government announced a review of the Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO).

John Walker, the organisation's national chairman, has welcomed the review after FSB research showed small firms rate state regulation as the biggest obstacle faced by their operation.

However, the expert has warned that the review should not see the "vital" regulatory body scrapped and should instead lead to an overhaul of the system.

"Creating a robust relationship between small firms and regulatory services locally should be a high priority for the coalition government if they are to truly deliver on their pledge to cut red tape," he commented.

"At the FSB we know that small businesses prefer to receive information from a local, single source and so this power should be provided locally."

The organisation is now calling on the government to create a system which includes compulsory booked inspections and a guarantee that small firms are directed to local contacts for all regulatory matters.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher