Small businesses in the UK have reacted favourably to a new government package which is intended to crack down on rogue businesses while streamlining regulation and enforcement, the Cabinet Office has announced.

The package details the creation of a new Local Better Regulation Office, to be fully operational in August, which will support local authorities in business regulation.

Additionally, it contains the start of a consultation on a bill which proposes that regulators be given more power to go after law-breaking businesses, as well as being held to more consistent practices which could cut down on red tape for honest companies.

John Walker, national policy chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Ensuring a clear and consistently fair system across all local authorities is a 'must have' for the small business sector.

"Adding on the anticipated reduction in costs to businesses means that this is a positive development and we welcome the creation of this new body."

In related small business news, the Department of Health recently announced that five UK regions would receive more NHS support regarding occupational health services for smaller firms.