News / Election 2011: Tories will cut red tape
SHETLAND Conservative candidate Sandy Cross has outlined his party’s agenda to cut red tape for rural businesses.
According to Mr Cross, if the Tories take Holyrood they will merge SEPA, SNH, Marine Scotland, the Food Standards Agency and the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspection Directorate into one organisation.
They will also shine the spotlight on burdensome rules and regulations by retaining the Scottish Parliament’s regulatory review group and letting any private sector organisation refer regulations to it.
They will also review and speed up the planning regime to help stimulate economic growth.
The Tory stance on fishing matches that of the other parties, calling for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and “a more effective local fishery management policy”.
Mr Cross said: ‘As a rural businessman myself, I am amazed at the number of government agencies and regulations I have to deal with and the number of forms required.
“Post war, the Hungarian minister of food had all the departmental records in his ministry burned. He then started from scratch.
“This was a much too extreme approach. But it is surely clear that, in Scotland, we can create a more co-ordinated and efficient regime than we have at the moment. This would benefit everyone.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
