Members of EEF – the manufacturers’ organisation are not feeling the benefit of ‘green’ red tape culls according to a new report.
In a survey undertaken by EEF, 71% say that cutting back on green legislation is important for their business, but only 7% think measures so far have saved them time and 9% say it has saved them money.
With the Government due to close a consultation on easing the legislative burdens associated with waste legislation, the EEF report Green tape: manufacturers; views of Defra’s regulatory reform agenda there are at least 10 pieces of legislation affecting manufacturers on waste alone.
Almost three quarters of manufacturers (73%) want to see legislative reform of environmental and climate change policies, while 56% say the same of improved data reporting.
Manufacturers also want bolder moves to reform and stem the flow of regulation emanating from Europe.
Over a third of them think the Government’s red tape challenge is ineffective because of its lack of impact in the EU, where much green legislation originates.
EEF chief executive Terry Scuoler said: “Our report shows that manufacturers remain committed to addressing environmental and climate concerns, but are still having to wade through unnecessary levels of complexity and red tape in order to do so, which in too many cases is holding them back.
“The previous government got off to a good start in identifying the roadblock caused by poor legislation and began to take steps to simplify the stock of guidance and legislation in this area.
“There is, however, a real appetite in the sector for bolder reform that increases fairness, creates markets and improves the environment without damaging competitiveness, impeding innovation or creating barriers to trade, investment and efficiency.”
