The simplification of government structures and processes is resulting in savings of more than £800m a year, John Hutton has said.

Announcing a new set of government initiatives on Tuesday, the business secretary pledged more action over the coming year.

But his move comes amid criticism that the flagship Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 has so far failed to result in a single change to the statute book.

Hutton, however, pointed to more than 280 administrative initiatives that have been taken.

Across 19 departments and agencies, measures included cuts in the duplication of health and safety forms and changes to company laws which save £45m a year in administration.

And nearly half a million planning applications from business are set to benefit from a new electronic processes.

"Today's plans demonstrate we are making significant headway on what is a difficult and challenging agenda," said Hutton.

"By tackling redundant regulation we are making a difference to the way people run their businesses and in their everyday lives.

"But we are not complacent. Government must continue to back up its proposals with credible action across all sectors.

"We are also outlining ways to tackle our new target to cut public sector bureaucracy by 30 per cent by 2010 in the public sector."