United Kingdom

The United Kingdom places great emphasis on evidence-based policy making. Before introducing new regulations, a preliminary RIA is carried out that outlines the problem under consideration and evaluates possible regulatory and non-regulatory solutions. Stakeholders are invited to comment on the evidence and assumptions supporting the analysis. A final stage RIA is then developed providing detailed cost-benefit analysis for the preferred option(s). Deregulatory measures and low-cost measures are eligible for a Fast Track Regulatory Triage Assessment, where an early stage RIA is not compulsory. The Private Members’ Bills (initiated by parliament) which receive government support would normally go through the same processes as similar government bills initiated by the executive.