Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
As well as having the right skills and resources to address current and future challenges,...
Conclusion
As well as having the right skills and resources to address current and future challenges, it is important for government to have a clear strategy to ensure the overall regulatory regime is and remains fit for purpose. The OPSS will undertake a range of new regulatory functions following EU exit, such as providing technical product safety input in UK trade negotiations, and there will be an expected increase in goods checking at the border. The Department also told us that it would have to respond to wider implications, such as the UK no longer recognising the EU’s CE mark signifying compliance with standards.40 Technological developments in products and how we buy them have resulted in new and changing risks to consumers, and there are concerns about the sustainability of local regulators.41 The OPSS recognised the importance of assessing its regulatory approach and current legislation, to examine whether the regime is fit for purpose.42
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
6: PAC conclusion: The government has not yet set out a clear vision and detailed plan for the future of UK product safety regulation. 6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2022 6.2 OPSS will write to the Committee within six months of the PAC report to detail the progress made on its plan for the future of UK product safety regulation. 6.3 OPSS is currently creating a detailed regulatory strategy covering UK product safety and product standards and building on its existing regulatory experience to establish a proactive regulatory approach. This is due for publication in Spring 2022 and OPSS will update the Committee on the progress of this by 30 March 2022. 6.4 OPSS’ considerations include: the developments in data availability and accessibility; expanded intelligence sources; better engagement with consumers and industry; a greater understanding of vulnerable groups and how OPSS can best protect them; and how best to support local authorities and Trading Standards services. 6.5 OPSS is committed to being a transparent, accountable and impartial regulator and governance arrangements are subject to regular review. OPSS has built the capability to do that job well – recruited specialists, established core processes and carried out significant research into the nature of the regulatory challenge. It has also established access to independent expertise and advice, for example, through the newly established Scientific Advisory Committee on chemicals safety for non-food consumer products.