Better Regulation
6. Ensure your consultation follows better regulation best practice, including carrying out a Regulatory Impact Assessment if appropriate Code of Practice on Consultation, Criterion 6, p.11
A Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is an integral part of consultation and the policy-making process that will help you deliver your policy objectives more successfully. It will enable to you to analyse the potential impact of your policy proposal more effectively and should outline a range of options for implementation and the risks, costs and benefits associated with each.
An RIA must be carried out for all proposed changes to Government policy which might affect the public or private sectors, charities, the voluntary sector or small businesses.
The Code of Practice on Consultation stipulates that where an RIA is required, it should be attached to the written consultation document for respondents' comments:
6.2 Ensure that a Regulatory Impact Assessment is attached, where required, highlighting the costs, benefits and risks of the proposal. Respondents should be encouraged to comment on and challenge the assumptions in the RIA Code of Practice on Consultation, Criterion 6, p.11
Any changes to your policy proposal made as a result of the consultation process must be recorded in the final RIA document.
For more information about how and when to carry out an RIA, please read the Impact Assessment guidance that is available from the following link:
Impact assessment guidance 
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(50KB)
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