Regulatory Impact Assessment
Regulations can safeguard people and property, boost the economy and protect the environment, but they can also impose an administrative burden and significant costs, particularly on small businesses. Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIA sometimes referred to as a Regulatory Impact Analysis) were introduced by government in response to these concerns.
Government departments and agencies proposing new regulations, or amendments to existing regulations, prepare a Regulatory Impact Assessment which assesses its likely impact. They explain the objective of the proposed regulation, its likely costs, risks and benefits. Changes should only be introduced when other alternatives have first been considered and rejected and where the benefits justify the burdens.
In a report to Parliament in 2001, Better Regulation: Making Good Use of Regulatory Impact Assessments, Sir John Bourn, Head of the National Audit Office (NAO) suggested that RIAs had contributed to better policy making and reduced costs to business but that there was room for improvement. He suggested three factors which characterised good RIAs:
- Starting early.
- Consulting effectively.
- Analysing costs and benefits appropriately.
It was proposed that policy makers should evaluate a range of options (including not regulating) and encourage self-regulation where feasible.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..