β οΈ
CONTESTED ESTIMATE
Significant methodological disputes. View caveats below.
πProductivity
Regulation Sunset Clause
Upfront
+Β£2.0bn
Annual
+Β£2.0bn
Revenue
+Β£8.0bn
Net Annual Effect
+Β£10.0bn/year
Payback in 3 years
GDP +1.5%Productivity +0.35%very high uncertainty
UNCERTAINTY RANGE (Annual Net Effect)
Most Pessimistic
-Β£10.0bn
β·
Most Optimistic
+Β£25.0bn
β οΈ
MAJOR CAVEATS
- β’Benefit-cost ratios of UK regulations rarely evaluated post-implementation; assumed benefits often not realised
- β’Regulatory uncertainty is real risk - clear sunset process essential to avoid investment freeze
- β’International comparison: UK regulatory burden heavier than US, Singapore; lighter than EU
- β’Catastrophic failure risk real but rare; status quo also has costs (Grenfell was regulatory failure, not absence)
- β’Externalities cut both ways: regulation can create negative externalities (housing shortage, energy costs)
- β’Track record: UK regulatory state has grown continuously since 1990s while growth has stagnated
4 sources
