Recommendation 17

The Action Plan committed to reduce the administrative burden on business by £5.6 billion (25% of the £22.4 billion annual baseline) by the end of parliament.40 Both departments said work to identify the largest savings was under way, and DBT has identified the potential in the Planning and Infrastructure, and Corporate Reporting, bills.41 However, these are expected to generate £272 million and £185 million respectively, or £460 million savings in total.42 This compares to the annual savings target of £5.6 billion. Unless the two Departments can identify what the component parts are that comprise this figure, it is impossible to know whether this figure is too high or low. Past performance is no guide to future performance particularly in volatile economic times. 38 C&AG’s report, para 1.27 39 C&AG’s report, para 2.4 40 HMT, New approach to ensure regulators and regulation support growth, 17 March 2025 (updated 21 October 2025) 41 Qq 41-46 42 HMT, Regulation Action Plan - Progress Update and Next Steps, 22 October 2025 11