The Government is asking the public how to reduce red tape, David Burt has announced.

The Premier and Minister of Finance told Parliament that the people will have a say on how bureaucratic processes can be streamlined to help to boost economic growth.

Mr Burt said: “I am announcing the opening of the promised consultation with the Government’s largest and most important stakeholder, the people of Bermuda, to hear directly from the public about what regulations they feel can be reduced.

“Some may ask, ‘Why is the Government going to the people? They should know what the issues are.’

“I can understand that perspective, but the truth is that governments do not have the same interaction internally within the government that the public may have, and their experience will be different.

“We want to hear directly from those affected about the obstacles faced and receive recommendations on processes that can be streamlined to reduce frustrations, or multiple points of contact, with the Government to accomplish tasks.

From today, members of the public can visit forum.gov.bm and submit ideas for consideration.

Mr Burt said: “The Government will do what we have done since returning to office — listen, take on feedback and act.”

The Throne Speech stated that the Government has an obligation to ensure that its services are efficient. It said that some services would be improved through digital transformation and the streamlining of regulations.

Mr Burt added: “We will also act now to reduce red tape and encourage further economic growth that will benefit Bermudian businesses and entrepreneurs. Together, in line with Bermuda’s Economic Development Strategy, we can build a Bermuda that is even more business-friendly, efficient, resilient and innovative.

“In addition to the benefits to business, reduced regulation will support our hard-working public officers and enable them to focus on improving customer service rather than outdated administrative processes.”