Reducing red tape!

Everybody is affected by regulations in some form or another; this is especially true of business. In these difficult economic times the Greater Manchester Public Protection Partnership (GMPPP) is transforming regulatory services in Greater Manchester to deliver real economic and social benefit.

The partnerships work is underpinned by a real commitment to support existing companies and to encourage and support new start up businesses. The GMPPP covers the full range of regulatory services - trading standards, environmental health, fire safety and licensing - and so has something to offer to all commercial enterprises and most other organisations. Consumer protection is also high on the agenda. Not only is this the statutory responsibility of the partners, it is also recognised that the public having real confidence in the business communities providing their goods and services is essential.

The GMPPP is made up from a diverse mix of organisations that are working together - the 10 metropolitan local authorities of Greater Manchester, the unitary councils of Warrington and Blackburn with Darwen, and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

The partnerships aim is clear; to use shared information to target the highest risk businesses for regulatory attention whilst applying a much lighter touch to those that already meet their legal obligations. This approach reduces “red tape” for both business and regulators, relieves unnecessary burdens on business and facilitates more proactive work to improve communities.

The partnership has also successfully established a not-for-profit company, Business Regulation Solutions Ltd (BRS), which provides consultancy advice and training to businesses to improve their compliance across all areas of regulation. BRS is the first of its kind in the country and offers local businesses the real opportunity to painlessly discharge their legal obligations through a “one stop shop”.

All of this work has now been nationally recognised and the partnership has been shortlisted to receive a prestigious Beacon Award.

Area Commander (Fire Safety) Russ James said, “By engaging with and empowering businesses and communities, they have helped us develop solutions that our customers actually need, and that are beneficial to all residents. 

“Our work is providing demonstrable benefits in improving community outcomes – through increasing community safety, improving public health and increasing economic prosperity.”

The GMPPP is supported by a network of over 1000 public protection officers who are committed to working together to improve the delivery of regulatory services to enhance our local communities.