You can see from the following what the law expects of the CAA and that they recognise this. Below is what they themselves say they should be doing. They are currently struggling to achieve their responsibilities. [the bold blocking on text is mine]
Better Regulation
Information on our principles of Better Regulation
Our principles are reinforced by the government's Better Regulation framework and its Regulators' Code, to which all UK regulators must comply. The Code's core principles are:- Proportionality - Regulators should intervene only when necessary; remedies should be appropriate to the risk posed, and costs identified and minimised.
- Accountability - Regulators should be able to justify decisions and be subject to public scrutiny
- Consistency - Government rules and standards must be joined up and implemented fairly
- Transparency - Regulators should be open and keep regulations simple and user-friendly
- Targeting - Regulation should be focussed on the problem and minimise side effects
Our recent work to improve the regulatory environment in aviation:In support of these principles we publish:- clear guidance on how to apply for, or renew, Certificates, Licences and Approvals and we define clearly the terms or privileges of Certificates, Licences and Approvals;
- the charges applicable to the grant and renewal of Certificates, Licences and Approvals;
Additionally, to assist in clear understanding, we provide written and/or oral advice about any of the foregoing and in respect of our interpretation of requirements.