“Common Sense, Common Safety”

Monday 18th October 2010 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Mr Oliver Letwin)]

In June this year the Prime Minister appointed Lord Young of Graffham to undertake a review into the rise of the compensation culture over the last decade coupled with the current low standing that health and safety legislation now suffers and to suggest solutions.

His intention in doing this was to bring about a return to proportionality and common sense in the application of both health and safety rules and to the payment of compensation for those victims of genuine accidents.

With the publication of Lord Young’s report “Common Sense, Common Safety” on Friday 15 October 2010 we are a step closer to achieving this. His proposals include measures to curtail the promotional activities of claims management companies and the compensation culture they perpetuate; clearer guidance for small businesses, schools and the police and fire services—freeing them from unnecessary bureaucracy and the fear of litigation; greater professionalism and transparency for those working in and with the health and safety industry; and a system where those wanting to hold events in their local communities are not hamstrung by red tape and over-prescriptive application of regulations.

The Government fully support this report and Lord Young will remain as the Prime Minister’s adviser. He will work with Departments, the devolved Administrations, and all those with an interest in seeing his recommendations put into effect.

Lord Young’s review “Common Sense, Common Safety” can be downloaded from the No.10 website, www.number10.gov.uk. Copies of the document have also been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.