ANNEX E: ADVICE TO DEPARTMENTS CONSULTATION : REGULATORY REFORM ORDERS PURPOSE
Proposals for orders have to undergo extensive public consultation, in order to elicit evidence without which the proposal cannot legally go ahead. Each consultation document should:set out the proposal against the tests and safeguards in the order-making process (see the handout on “What Regulatory Reform Orders can do…”), in such a way that the intended audience can readily supply the information that the Minister needs in order to satisfy himself and the scrutiny Committees that the proposal meets those tests and safeguards. This would be best achieved by following the structure set out in section 6(2) of the Act;explain clearly and comprehensibly the policy on which views are being sought, including the implications for the devolved administrations (see the handout on “Regulatory Reform Orders and devolution”).These aims may result in a longer consultation document than would otherwise be the case with a straightforward consultation document.  A sensible approach would be to break the document up in to manageable sections, given the need for comprehensibility and so that only those interested need to go into the detail.
	Each consultation document should also:where the proposals are fairly fully developed, include draft legislation or at least reflect what the legislation will say; andseek additional information where needed to develop the policy and to flesh out the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) as required under by Good Policy Making: A Guide to Regulatory Impact Assessment.
	Each consultation exercise should be carried out in accordance with the Code of Practice on Written Consultation issued by the Cabinet Office. There is advice on best practice at www.consultation.gov.uk.