Who can consult and why?
Consultations can be published by:
- Governments;
- public bodies, such as the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA); and
- the EU Commission.
Consultations act as a formal way to invite feedback and views to inform future decision-making. They sometimes include draft pieces of legislation or calls for evidence asking for submissions of data and research from organisations.
Consultations can be issued on a wide range of topics, from planning applications to healthcare reforms. Some legislation contains a legal duty requiring consultation, such as with some environmental permits.
Responding
The aim of the consultation is to find out how the proposed changes might affect you, and to discuss how the change might be made more effectively.
Anyone can respond to consultations, although some will specify particularly affected groups who they would prefer to hear from. You can respond either as an individual or on behalf of a group or organisation.
Response formats may vary between consultations – some might have a blank comment box whilst some offer more guidance with specific questions. The EU Commission publishes responses underneath the consultation to allow you to view other opinions, whilst others are kept private.
The feedback or response period is a set period which the consultation is open for, which also varies between consultations but is always clearly stated and allows ample time for responses.
Following the consultation
Once the feedback period has passed, the responses are collected and a response or policy paper is published. In the UK, government responses should be published within 12 weeks after the closing date.
Once the feedback period has passed, the responses are collected and a response or policy paper is published. In the UK, government responses should be published within 12 weeks after the closing date.
Whoever published the consultation will need to demonstrate how it took the submitted feedback into account during the decision-making process.
Have your Say
Those who subscribe to the Legislation Update Service have access to a list of current consultations which is updated weekly. The list is designed to be relevant to your register and contains information about the consultation, the close date, and a link for you to submit your views.
We have both occupational health and safety, and environmental consultations available.
