Annex A - Code of Practice on Consultation
The code of practice applies to all UK public consultations by government departments and agencies, including consultations on EU directives.
Though the code does not have legal force, and cannot prevail over statutory or other mandatory external requirements (e.g. under European Community Law), it should otherwise generally be regarded as binding unless Ministers conclude that exceptional circumstances require a departure.
The code contains six criteria. They should be reproduced in all consultation documents. There should be an explanation of any departure from the criteria and confirmation that they have otherwise been followed.
Consultation criteria
- Consult widely throughout the process, allowing a minimum of 12 weeks for written consultation at least once during the development of the policy.
- Be clear about what your proposals are, who may be affected, what questions are being asked and the time-scale for responses.
- Ensure that your consultation is clear, concise and widely accessible.
- Give feedback regarding the responses received and how the consultation process influenced the policy.
- Monitor your department's effectiveness at consultation, including through the use of a designated consultation co-ordinator.
- Ensure your consultation follows better regulation best practice, including carrying out a Regulatory Impact Assessment if appropriate.
A full version of the code of practice is available on the Better Regulation Executive's website.
If you consider that this consultation does not comply with the criteria or have comments about the consultation process please contact:
Lec Napal (Departmental Consultation Co-ordinator)
Department for Transport
Zone 1/33 Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DR
Email: consultation@dft.gsi.gov.uk
