Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has today (4 May) named Stephen Gibson as chair of the Regulatory Policy Committee.
The Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC) assesses the quality of evidence and analysis used to inform regulatory proposals and verifies the costs that regulations place on business. It is an independent body sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Mr. Gibson's appointment follows an open competition. He has held the role in an interim capacity since December 2019, having been a member of the committee since May 2018.
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:
The UK is recognised worldwide as a great place to do business and further strengthening this reputation means keeping an eagle-eye on regulation to ensure the burdens on business are minimised.
Stephen brings a wealth of experience, energy and expertise to the role, and I'm delighted to appoint him as chairman as the committee continues its vital work in scrutinising the evidence and analysis underpinning regulatory decisions.
Regulatory Policy Committee Chair Stephen Gibson said:
I am honoured to have been offered this position. The Regulatory Policy Committee plays a key role in ensuring that new regulatory measures do not impose unjustified costs on business. I very much look forward to helping to ensure that UK regulation is supported by robust evidence and analysis as well as promoting transparency and accountability in the regulatory decision-making process.
Minister for Better Regulation Lord Callanan said:
The Regulatory Policy Committee offers important advice and scrutiny to government on regulatory change, ensuring we can effectively deliver policy while keeping the burdens on business to a minimum.
I am pleased to see Stephen appointed as chair. As an existing committee member, and recently as interim chair, he brings the vital experience and continuity the RPC needs to take forward its work in these exceptional times. I look forward to continuing to work with him on this important agenda.
