In a development which may affect the detailed implementation of fire safety regulation, an independent review of penalties for flouting regulatory obligations has published its interim report. Led by Richard Macrory, professor of environmental law at University College London, the review says the current system is heavily reliant on criminal prosecution.
The interim report proposes the use of administrative fines and other non-criminal penalties to resolve some cases more quickly and effectively.
“Rogue businesses who intentionally flout the law for economic gain should be treated as the criminals they are,” said professor Macrory. “But we need a far more flexible system of regulatory sanctions in this country – one that will provide better incentives for legitimate businesses to comply with regulations, and one that gives greater acknowledgement to the interests of victims. My vision for a system of regulatory sanctions will allow regulators to respond far more proportionately to the circumstances and facts of a particular breach.”
Further information: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/regulation
