Recommendation 14

It can be challenging for businesses to navigate the regulatory landscape. We received written evidence which highlighted how uncertainty adds to costs and delays for business through unpredictable timelines, unclear interpretations of rules, opaque enforcement thresholds, and uncertain priorities.30 In areas such as environmental regulation, businesses have to navigate between different regulators.31 This can result in delays, inconsistencies, and gaps in oversight. This was also highlighted in C&AG’s report on water regulation published in 2025.32