The government has failed to cut the burden of regulation, according to a report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
The report found that the number of business regulations has increased by 46% in the first half of 2004 compared with a year earlier. In addition, contrary to government claims, the vast majority of new regulations come from the UK – the proportion of EU regulations is declining.
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Commenting on the report, BCC director general, David Frost, said: “The burden of complying with regulation is one of the loudest complaints from employers. The measures to cut regulation in the Budget are very welcome, but now they must actually be implemented.
“Our report has found that employers are still waiting for the government to deliver its previous promises to cut unnecessary regulation,” Frost said.