Better Regulation

In response to a drop in the World Bank’s ‘Doing Business’ ranking (http://www.doingbusiness.org), Amnesian business associations have been calling for an immediate response to the diagnosed problems with ‘red tape’ and the overall quality of regulation. Consumer groups similarly are complaining about a lack of a ‘level playing field’ in regulation, where business interests are accused of enjoying privileged access. The Prime Minister has therefore appointed a Better Regulation Czar to develop an effective approach towards ‘better regulation’ that will be supported by business and civil society groups. The Czar needs to develop a strategy towards ‘better regulation’ by choosing from the international ‘high quality regulation’ agenda. The Czar will also be required to monitor how ministries and agencies apply the chosen better regulation strategy. Finally, there is also confusion as to where the Czar and staff should be located within the overall organization of the Amnesian government: in particular whether the Czar should be located within the prime ministerial office or the economics ministry, or whether a free-standing agency should be established.As an adviser to the Amnesian government, you are asked to prepare to set up the Czar and in particular consider: What are the key issues that impact on the quality of regulation?Which ‘better regulation’ tools are the most promising for improving regulatory quality?Within the overall structure of government, where should the Czar be located?What are the challenges the Czar is likely to face in developing and implementing the programme — and how would you address these problems?