Government consults on identifying and removing outdated or excessive regulation

The UK Government has launched a public consultation aimed at identifying and removing outdated, excessive, or poorly implemented regulations that hinder business growth. The initiative, titled Unlocking Business: Reform Driven by You, invites input from businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts across the country.

The consultation is part of a broader reform agenda led by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and HM Treasury, with a commitment to reduce administrative burdens on businesses by 25 percent. The government is seeking evidence of regulatory barriers that impose unnecessary costs, delay innovation, or restrict competitiveness.

Respondents are encouraged to provide examples in three key areas:

• Activity costs: Rules that create direct or indirect financial burdens, including compliance and enforcement inefficiencies
• Opportunity costs: Regulations that block or slow down business opportunities, especially compared to international standards
• Good practice: Effective regulatory models that could be scaled or replicated

The consultation is open until 16 December 2025. Responses can be submitted online, by email, or by post. Full details and access to the questionnaire are available on the official consultation page.