Provision of Services Regulations 2009: proposed reforms
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Detail of outcome
This consultation, launched in 2023, centred on proposed reforms to downloadthe Provision of Services Regulations 2009, aiming to strengthen the outcomeregulatory framework that underpins the provision of licences and other authorisations to thisservice publicproviders feedback.
seeking access to the market. The consultation invited feedback from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including businesses, regulatory authorities, trade bodies, and other interested parties. The online consultation received a total of 9 responses and 5 additional written letters.
Following a comprehensive review of the consultation feedback and wider stakeholder engagement, the government has decided to proceed with a revised package of reforms to the 2009 Regulations. This approach balances the introduction of new proposals, retention of select elements from the original reforms, and discontinuation of aspects no longer deemed appropriate.
Overall, the changes are intended to ensure that authorisation processes for businesses are fairer, more transparent, and easier to navigate, reflecting the views and insights gathered through the consultation process. The government response sets out the measures to be taken forward, which have been directly informed by the feedback received from stakeholders.
Original consultation
Consultation description
The Provision of Services Regulations 2009 (“the Regulations”) provide a framework of rules for how services are regulated in the UK. They ensure that authorisation schemes (for example, licences that businesses or individuals must secure before providing a service) which are administered by competent authorities (for example, government departments and independent regulators) are proportionate, justified in the public interest, and conducted in a fair, accessible and transparent way for businesses
Previous evidence from service providers and competent authorities indicated that change is needed to the Regulations. DBT is therefore considering reforming the Regulations as part of the Retained EU Law programme.
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.
DBT is seeking views from competent authorities, service providers and service recipients on the proposed reforms through this consultation.
The documents include:
- a consultation document setting out the proposed reforms, the rationale for these and questions for respondents
- a consultation stage impact assessment setting out the estimated costs and benefits of the new approach
This consultation forms part of the government’s Smarter Regulation programme of regulatory reform announcements that began in May with publication of Smarter Regulation to Grow the Economy. Smarter regulation is about improving regulation across the board, ensuring it is clear and only used where necessary and proportionate.
All responses will be considered before a decision is made on the reforms.
Documents
Updates to this page
Published 13 September 2023
Last updated 95 NovemberMarch 2023
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Update history
2026-03-05 14:15
Government response to the consultation on proposed reforms to the Provision of Services Regulations 2009 was added to the page.
2023-11-09 08:57
Deadline of consultation extended to 13 November 2023.
2023-10-12 17:49
Question added to consultation document: it asks whether respondents would like their responses to be shared anonymously, or with their organisation named.
Consultation description
The Provision of Services Regulations 2009 (“the Regulations”) provide a framework of rules for how services are regulated in the UK. They ensure that authorisation schemes (for example, licences that businesses or individuals must secure before providing a service) which are administered by competent authorities (for example, government departments and independent regulators) are proportionate, justified in the public interest, and conducted in a fair, accessible and transparent way for businesses
Previous evidence from service providers and competent authorities indicated that change is needed to the Regulations. DBT is therefore considering reforming the Regulations as part of the Retained EU Law programme.
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.
DBT is seeking views from competent authorities, service providers and service recipients on the proposed reforms through this consultation.
The documents include:
- a consultation document setting out the proposed reforms, the rationale for these and questions for respondents
- a consultation stage impact assessment setting out the estimated costs and benefits of the new approach
This consultation forms part of the government’s Smarter Regulation programme of regulatory reform announcements that began in May with publication of Smarter Regulation to Grow the Economy. Smarter regulation is about improving regulation across the board, ensuring it is clear and only used where necessary and proportionate.
All responses will be considered before a decision is made on the reforms.
Documents
Updates to this page
Published 13 September 2023
Last updated 95 NovemberMarch 2023
+ show2026
href="#full-history">+ show all updates
-
Update history
2026-03-05 14:15
Government response to the consultation on proposed reforms to the Provision of Services Regulations 2009 was added to the page.
2023-11-09 08:57
Deadline of consultation extended to 13 November 2023.
2023-10-12 17:49
Question added to consultation document: it asks whether respondents would like their responses to be shared anonymously, or with their organisation named.
Updates to this page
Update history
2026-03-05 14:15
Government response to the consultation on proposed reforms to the Provision of Services Regulations 2009 was added to the page.
2023-11-09 08:57
Deadline of consultation extended to 13 November 2023.
2023-10-12 17:49
Question added to consultation document: it asks whether respondents would like their responses to be shared anonymously, or with their organisation named.