Department for Business and Trade are seeking views on proposed reforms to the Provision of Services Regulations 2009, under the Retained EU Law programme.

As well as providing a regulatory framework for competent authorities, the Regulations require the Government to maintain an electronic assistance facility for businesses to use to obtain information about the authorisations they need. The Government currently provides this through Find a Licence (formally known as “Licence Finder”) on GOV.UK.

The Department said on GOV.UK:

"The proposals to reform the Regulations will primarily affect competent authorities and service providers. We are consulting on proposals that intend to strengthen the provisions which currently exist in the legislation, further driving down administrative burdens on businesses (particularly for small and medium-sized businesses). These proposals include making sure businesses can apply for licences all year round; providing clarity on when competent authorities can derogate from certain requirements of the Regulations; and expanding the benefits of the Regulations to non-UK businesses."