Recommendation 10

The regulators have since been asked (along with the rest of government) to model headcount reductions of 20%, 30% and 40%, which would have significant impacts on these plans. In HSE’s case, it explained that if the reductions are modelled on its existing headcount, the cuts will include all planned growth in addition to 20–40% reductions. It told us that reductions in headcount would mean it was not resourced to take on its new functions and maintain existing ones.26 We questioned FSA on how 20% cuts in veterinarians would impact on it, and it told us that it would have a significant impact on the meat industry which, under current regulations, cannot place meat on the market in the UK or export it without veterinary oversight. It explained that current regulations prescribe the role of veterinarians in meat hygiene controls and changes would not be possible without a change in the law.27 20 Qq 10, 27, 29 21 Qq 12–13 22 Q 14, C&AG’s Report, para 4.11 23 Q 3 24 Qq 42–44 25 Qq 42, 48 26 Qq 8, 48 27 Q 11 Regulating after EU Exit 11 2 Regulatory divergence and international cooperation EU data sharing and cooperation