Weights & measures reform
In 2008 NMO commissioned some economic research on the economic impact of W&M legislation and, in particular, to prove the economic argument for prescription of instruments.
Download a copy of the report by Deloitte (DOC, 214 Kb) .
During 2007 NMO undertook phase 1 of a project to look at reforming the Weights and Measures Act. This project was in part a response to the view that years of piecemeal changes have resulted in incoherent and complicated Weights and Measures legislation. The aim was to establish the extent of the issue, the appetite from stakeholders for reform and to understand where any benefits could be achieved.
Discussions were held with stakeholders during 2007 to understand their views on what reform, if any, might be appropriate. In addition NMO analysed responses to discussion papers, commissioned research into retailer perceptions of weights and measures and, in conjunction with a specialist economist, developed a paper describing economic aspects of the regulation of weights and measures in the UK.
The key findings were presented to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Ministers, who concluded that there is a need for further development work in the area of reform of the weights and measures regime and there are many significant opportunities to improve both the legislation and the way in which it is enforced. As such NMO has been tasked to continue this work and any emerging detailed policy proposals will take into account any conclusions that may arise from the BIS Consumer Policy Review.
Check the full report of our findings
(DOC, 229 Kb)
Read the research into retailer perceptions of weights and measures (DOC, 345 Kb)
Read the economics paper (DOC, 214 Kb) . The discussion papers are available as follows:
Enforcement (DOC, 151 Kb) , Basic controls (DOC, 66 Kb) , measurement standards/traceability (PDF, 264 Kb) , Order-making powers (DOC, 48 Kb) , Statutory W&M qualification (DOC, 74 Kb) , Verification (DOC, 113 Kb) , Interim response to Prescription Review (DOC, 164 Kb)
