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1.1 Ofcom is committed to reducing regulation and minimising administrative burdens on its stakeholders. We have a bias against regulatory intervention and, where we do need to intervene, we seek to use the least intrusive mechanisms. We also recognise the importance of keeping under review, and minimising, the burdens imposed by existing regulation. A key part of this is ensuring that our operational processes are efficient and user friendly.

1.2 This Simplification Plan sets out what Ofcom has done to reduce regulation since publishing our last Simplification Plan in December 2006, and outlines the further initiatives we will be taking over the coming year. For the purpose of consistency, any reference to “simplification initiatives” includes initiatives that are aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on our stakeholders, including administrative burdens associated with regulatory compliance.

1.3 The Government sees Simplification Plans as an important way of reducing the stock of existing regulation. It is committed to ensuring that it tackles unnecessary regulatory burdens on the private, public and third sectors in an increasingly competitive and global environment. Regulators and government departments will be reporting on the progress of their deregulatory initiatives by updating their Simplification Plans on an annual basis. Notwithstanding our status as an independent regulator, we welcome the Government’s initiative in this area.

1.4 Section 6 of the Communications Act 2003 (“section 6”) places a duty upon Ofcom not to impose burdens which are unnecessary or maintain burdens which have become unnecessary. It also requires Ofcom to publish a statement every 12 months, showing how it has fulfilled this duty. Our Simplification Plan shows explicitly how we have complied with section 6.

1.5 Ofcom published its last Simplification Plan in December 2006. This included an analysis of planned initiatives which were expected to lead to deregulation or reduced regulatory (including administrative) burdens on Ofcom’s stakeholders. However, in line with the principle of proportionality, it focused on the areas where the cost savings would be most significant such as spectrum liberalisation of Citizens’ Band Radio, Amateur Radio, Ships’ Radio and Business Radio.

1.6 The detailed table annexed to this Simplification Plan provides information on completed, new and ongoing initiatives, and the extent to which these have reduced – or are expected to reduce – regulatory burdens by removing, reducing or simplifying regulation.

1.7 Better regulation will continue to be a priority that cuts across all our work. Our Draft Annual Plan 2008/09 (to be published next week) sets out Ofcom’s strategic policy framework which shows what our key areas of focus are. In some areas, such as spectrum liberalisation, we have already announced proposals to make further significant reductions in regulation and administrative burdens. Furthermore, increased competition and convergence are likely to create further opportunities to remove formal regulation and extend co- and self-regulation. In other areas, new rules may be needed, but we will seek the least intrusive mechanisms available.

The full document is available below

• Simplification Plan - Reducing regulation and minimising administrative burdens [pdf]
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