Burt updates MPs on Red Tape Reduction Consultation
The Transport Control Department will work to implement more online services starting on Monday, the House of Assembly heard today.
David Burt, the Premier, told MPs that motorists could apply to reclassify their vehicle’s category, submit classic motor car applications and obtain sporting association trailer permits online once upgrades are complete.
He added: “These upgrades will further streamline the customer experience by reducing the need for in-person visits, improving communication and providing applicants with tailored guidance, regular updates and updated response times.”
He said participants in the Government’s Red Tape Reduction Consultation had called for more TCD services to go online.
The Government launched the consultation in March 2024 to explore service improvement and reducing bureaucratic barriers.
Some of the more than 100 suggestions submitted centred on immigration and work permit processes.
Mr Burt said the Department of Immigration’s digitisation project will “streamline processing, improve transparency and ultimately create a dashboard that allows applicants to track the progress of their submissions”.
The Premier highlighted revisions to the Government’s Work Permit Policy, which include clear guidelines for submitting photos and removing short-term permits as a bridge for standard ones.
He said the revisions, set to come into effect on September 1, are “designed to modernise and clarify work permit processes, enhance fairness and transparency and better align with Bermuda’s current and future workplace needs”.
Other submissions suggested streamlined health and safety inspections.
Mr Burt explained: “The review confirmed that delays stemmed from a lack of qualified safety officers, which resulted in multiple uncoordinated inspections.
“The Ministry [of Health] has responded by recruiting for vacant posts, with the goal of re-establishing routine joint inspections with agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service, to reduce red tape and improve efficiency.”
He added that the Department of Planning was working to hire additional reviewers to process building permits faster.
Mr Burt concluded: “The overwhelming message in the Red Tape Reduction Consultation was clear — there is a strong desire for better efficiency, responsiveness and modernisation in government processes.
“This wasn’t just an exercise in listening; it was a commitment to act.”
• To see the Premier’s statement in full, seeRelated Media
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