1. Introduction
This report is the first evaluation of compliance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) requirements for regulatory proposals that are unlikely to have a significant impact on economic growth under the enhanced RIA regime that came into affect on 1 April 2007.
Agencies undertaking such analyses self-certify that the proposals are consistent or otherwise with the Code of Good Regulatory Practice and whether the RIA and RIS are adequate, that is, comply with the requirements set out in Cabinet Office Circular CO (07) 3 and the RIA Guidelines.
The overall objective is to improve RIAs and RISs and thereby the quality of proposals for regulatory change. The evaluation would contribute to this by providing information on current compliance, on the processes followed by agencies and the extent to which that led to compliance with the guidelines and requirements.
In broad terms an RIA is adequate if it convincingly establishes that the proposed regulatory change is needed because the current framework cannot deal with the problem, that appropriate analysis was undertaken given the issue's magnitude, and that adequate consultation was undertaken
In similarly broad terms, a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) should provide a summary of the required information, focus on the analysis of options, be able to be stand alone, keep background to a minimum, specify assumptions made about drivers of the problem and how the solution will influence the drivers, and examine full range of economic, social, cultural, health and environmental outcomes.
Overall, the effort has to improve the information for the decision-making process, and fulfil a disclosure role.
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