Haskins to step down as Better Regulation Task Force chair

Christopher Haskins, Head of the Better Regulation Taskforce, will step down at the end of March to make way for a new Taskforce chief. David Arculus, a former Chairman of the IPC publishing group and non-Executive Director of Barclays Plc., will replace Lord Haskins at the end of the month where a further re-shuffle of the Taskforce is expected.

Lord Haskins was appointed Chair of the Taskforce when it was set up in 1997 to advise the Government on ways to improve the effectiveness and credibility of its regulation.

"The red-tape situation is getting worse. Firms will want [Mr Arculus] to give fresh impetus to the drive for a more business-friendly regulatory environment" - Digby Jones, British Chambers of Commerce

Lord Haskins gained popularity with contractors recently when he told delegates at a London recruitment conference: "I think [the PCG] are quite a vocal lot and have seriously terrified figures in Whitehall. [IR35] has been taken very seriously. You've highlighted a very serious problem in the regulations."

Mr Arculus said: "Chris Haskins has achieved a great deal but there is still more to be tackled and plenty of areas where the Task Force can help the Government improve, or remove, regulation."

Digby Jones, Chief of the Confederation of British Industry said: "As Chairman of one of Britain's leading businesses, David Arculus has a practical understanding of how regulation hinders or helps companies' ability to create wealth.

"The red-tape situation is getting worse. Firms will want him to give fresh impetus to the drive for a more business-friendly regulatory environment.

"But this Government must show it listens to what his Task Force recommends. For businesses to see a difference on the ground, the Government must turn fine words into action."

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Richard Powell, UKTECH