Complexity down, in France

Last week, the French agency in charge of cutting red tape in France (DG Modernisation, in the ministry of finance) reported on progress made since 2008. The study examines how simplification measures taken since 1998 have been perceived by the target audiences, on the basis of a sample of 10 procedures related to most current "life-events."

Results show that complexity as perceived by the public is down for 6 out of the 10 procedures. For instance, following a simplification of planning permission for new buildings, the complexity index is down 13 points, which means fewer citizens reported the procedures as "complex". Similar effects were achieved for other procedures such as renewing ID cards, looking for a job, going on pension. The DG's website also describes the distinctive methodology, which relies on professionally conducted opinion polls to direct the simplification efforts, and measure their effects. Experts interested can find additional details concerning the organisation of stakeholder panels, the online consultation ("Ensemble Simplifions,") and how the project involves local authorities.
In addition to the work on the procedures themselves, the DG has also been managing an ambitious (and successful) programme to use plain language in dealing with users, an initiative conducted in connection with partner agencies in other francophone countries (i. a. Quebec, Belgium).