A review into red tape encountered by businesses is ‘seriously overdue’, according to NI Conservatives’ economy spokesman, Johnny Andrews.
“Arlene Foster announced the composition of a panel which will look into ‘red tape’ yesterday, which she claims will complete its work in the middle of next year”, Johnny explained. “This should be welcomed, in that it is better late than never, but the review was announced back in June, as part of David Cameron’s set of economic measures to revitalise the Northern Ireland economy. Why has it taken the executive six months to start combating red tape which is strangling businesses now?”
“The Conservative led government made an extraordinary effort to give Northern Ireland’s economy special help, but Stormont has been dragging its feet. Where is the progress on setting up enterprise zones, to acts as hubs for new jobs? Where is the action to make our planning system simpler? Why has the offer to fund infrastructure projects which are ready to start not been taken up? Why has the executive not used its greater borrowing powers? The executive needs to get its act together and to use the opportunities that David Cameron has given to Northern Ireland, otherwise it is letting down everyone in Northern Ireland and particularly those who are looking for jobs.”