Better Regulation: supporting economic growth and investment
This report is a review of regulation in key sectors in Scotland’s economy – housing, green industries and public infrastructure - to ensure that in the content and delivery of regulation there are no unnecessary impediments to growth and investment. It delivers against 2025 Programme for Government
2. The role of regulation in supporting Scotland’s economy
Regulation is a cornerstone of Scotland’s economic landscape.
When well-designed and effectively delivered, regulation builds investor confidence, fosters competition, and encourages innovation. It can be a powerful driver of sustainable economic growth and a tool to align our economic, social and environmental ambitions. Robust regulatory systems deliver essential public value, protecting businesses and citizens from unfair practices and harm.
The Scottish Government is committed to upholding the standards and safeguards that Scotland’s regulatory systems provide, while ensuring that our regulatory environment makes it easier to do business.
This means considering regulatory content, implementation, and the risk appetite of regulators performing essential public functions.
Our Better Regulation[2] agenda promotes regulation as a tool to support economic growth. It is grounded in five core principles: proportionality, consistency, accountability, transparency, and targeting regulation only where necessary.
These principles underpin the actions in this report (see Annex A).