64
Conflicting government regulation creates significant complexity and costs for SMEs.
Conclusion
Throughout this inquiry, SMEs have highlighted how contradictory and counterproductive advice from different departments creates confusion and undermines policy effectiveness. This lack of a joined-up approach bedevils regulation, where conflicting requirements are expensive to manage and hurt growth. The Government previously rejected the Committee’s recommendation for the Regulatory Innovation Office to act as a clearing house for conflicting regulation. However, it remains clear that businesses need a single point within Government to report contradictory and overlapping requirements. Without this, SMEs will continue to face unnecessary complexity and uncertainty. (Conclusion, Paragraph 222)
Source
Committee
Business and Trade Committee
Inquiry
Small business strategy
Report
15th Report – Small business strategy
11 Feb 2026
HC 1057
Addressee Bodies
Department for Business and Trade
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
11 Feb 2026