Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Ofcom, the Environment Agency and the HSE all stated that mitigating the risks and maximising...
Conclusion
Ofcom, the Environment Agency and the HSE all stated that mitigating the risks and maximising the opportunities of change in their sectors as a key challenge for them as regulators. For Ofcom, new technology has disrupted traditional business models and it is seeing a growth in the reach and power of some global technology and digital companies across its sectors, raising potential issues with monopolies and risks to competition.16 It is also taking on new responsibilities to regulate online harms and ensure that public telecoms providers are complying with their telecom security duties.17 In the case of the HSE, it has become the UK’s chemicals regulator now that the UK has left the EU and is also taking on new responsibilities in building safety regulation.18 The Environment Agency highlighted the climate emergency as the biggest challenge it faces, alongside ensuring its regulatory objectives keep pace with changing public attitudes.19
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Winter 2021 3.2 As outlined in the consultation on Better Regulation that closed on 1 October 2021, the government has set out five principles that will underpin the approach to regulation to ensure it benefits the British people and takes advantages of the new opportunities from leaving the EU: • regulation will have a sovereign approach that tailors how rules are set to boost growth for the UK; • the UK will lead from the front by acting flexibly and supporting the development of new technologies; • the way regulation is developed will be proportional and responsive; • by analysing regulations to ensure they work effectively in practice, the government will ensure regulation works; and • high standards will be set at home and globally. 24 • the responses to the consultation are currently being considered and the government’s response will be published in due course.