Better Regulation Framework
Guide for government officials covering all aspects of the Better Regulation Framework.
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This guidance is for government officials developing or implementing policy that will regulate or deregulate business or civil society organisations. The guidance explains how officials are required to comply with the Better Regulation Framework (Framework) to ensure that regulatory provisions are appropriately considered and scrutinised.
Update 19 September 2023: Launch of the new Better Regulation Framework
The new Framework is a key part of the Government’s agenda on “Smarter regulation to grow the economy”, as announced in May 2023.
Applying regulation proportionately
The UK’s new approach recognises that regulation should be applied proportionately. The Framework is there to ensure that, before new regulations are introduced, there is robust evidence to justify any necessary costs to business or others that they might require. It will provide us with the right system to ensure the future regulation of our changing economy is streamlined, recognises dynamic factors not just immediate compliance costs, and puts smart, forward-looking regulation at the heart of government decisions.
Objectives of the new Framework
The objectives of the new Framework are:
- to increase the consideration and use of alternatives to regulation
- earlier and more holistic scrutiny of regulatory proposals through consideration of wider impacts beyond direct costs to business
- earlier and more consistent evaluation of whether implemented regulations are achieving their aims
Transitional period and which Framework to apply
Interim guidance on the Better Regulation Framework was published on 22 February 2018. A transitional period is in operation until September 2024. During this period departments have discretion over which Framework should be used. It is recommended that officials consult the supplementary guidance on transitional arrangements provided here for more details.
Medium-sized business regulatory exemption
The supplementary guidance on the medium-sized business regulatory exemption assessment should be used alongside the interim Framework. The new Framework includes the equivalent guidance.
The Medium-sized business regulatory exemption was originally published in October 2022 and contains advice for government departments on the presumption in policy development of exemption from business regulations to businesses with between 50 and 499 employees (medium sized businesses) for future regulations.
Completing a post-implementation review
Please refer to the guidance on statutory review requirements when deciding whether a post-implementation review (PIR) is appropriate.
Options assessment (OA) and impact assessment (IA) template
Please refer to the OA and IA templates to help you prepare an impact assessment.
Updates to this page
Last updated 19 September 2023 + show all updates
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Added the new Better Regulation Framework. Added Supplementary guidance note on the use of the previous Framework.
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Supplementary guidance added on extending the exemption threshold to medium sized businesses.
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Guidance updated to remove factors relating to the previous Parliament.
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Guidance updated to reflect the announcement of the BIT for this Parliament and the appointment of the RPC as the independent verification body. This version replaces the interim guidance published on 22 February 2018.
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First published.