UK - Ofcom reduces cost of regulation for 6th consecutive year

[ofcom] Ofcom today announced the sixth consecutive cut in its underlying operating budget, as part of its drive to reduce regulatory costs on licensees and taxpayers.
3.6% lower budget

For 2010/11 Ofcom's total budget is 142.5m. This includes funding for a number of new responsibilities required by government and also deficit repair payments to the pension schemes of the legacy regulators that Ofcom was required to take on by Parliament.

Excluding the additional items, Ofcom's core operating budget is 127.5m. On a like-for-like basis this is 3.6% lower in real terms than its budget for 2009/10, with further planned operational efficiency savings relating to property, IT services and procurement.

Annual Plan for 2010/11

Ofcom has today also published its Annual Plan which sets out its priorities for 2010/11. They are:
Consumer and Citizen

* Make progress on broadband and mobile phone not-spots.
* Encourage consumers to take up and use broadband by supporting the Digital Participation Consortium.
* Ensure consumers can switch communications providers by removing unnecessary barriers.
* Update content regulation to meet the changing needs of audiences.

Competition

* Implement regulation to support effective competition and efficient investment in super-fast broadband.
* Ensure fair and effective competition in pay TV.

Infrastructure and spectrum

* Start successful clearance of the 800MHz band to create opportunities for new services.
* Prepare plans for the release of spectrum for mobile broadband.
* Ensure wireless services for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be delivered.

Ofcom reduces cost of regulation for 6th consecutive year
See also Ofcom's annual plan for 2010/11