New approach to regulatory analysis and accountability

Overview

The Government is introducing changes to how regulatory impacts are analysed and reported, as part of implementing the Regulatory Standards Act.

These changes are designed to improve the quality, clarity and transparency of information that supports regulatory decision-making.

The Cabinet Office has also issued a new circular which sets out expectations for good law-making.

What’s changing

In combination, the Act and recent decisions made by Cabinet will put in place a variety of new and amended tools that are intended to:

• improve the quality of regulatory advice provided to Ministers
• make regulatory impacts clearer and more accessible
• support more consistent and disciplined regulatory decision-making
• reduce unnecessary complexity
• ensure existing legislation remains fit-for-purpose
• identify opportunities to modernise outdated regulation and reduce unnecessary compliance costs.

Regulatory Analysis Summaries (RASs)

RASs will replace long and technical Regulatory Impact Statements with shorter, clearer summaries. They will still set out the key impacts of a proposal based on agencies’ analysis in the same way as RISs currently do (e.g. the likely costs and benefits of a proposal). But they will present this information in a way that is easier for decision-makers and the public to understand.

Consistency Accountability Statements (CASs)

Consistency Accountability Statements (CASs) will be produced by agencies to confirm they have assessed whether proposed or existing legislation is consistent with the principles set out in the Regulatory Standards Act, and to clearly identify where it is not. This supports greater transparency about how legislation affects rights and liberties, and whether it is consistent with good law-making.

Where inconsistencies are identified, the responsible Minister or other decision-maker is required to explain why.

A Disclosure Statement will no longer be required for government bills and amendment papers.

Plans to review existing legislation

Agencies will be required to develop and publish plans for regularly reviewing their legislation for consistency with the principles of responsible regulation. They will also publish updates on how they are tracking against those plans.

If a review identifies an inconsistency, the Minister or other decision‑maker will be required to explain why, and outline any steps they propose to address it.

Supporting agencies through the transition

These changes will take effect from 1 July 2026.

The Ministry for Regulation will support agencies to adopt the new approach through guidance and templates, and information sessions.

Agencies will also receive direct communications outlining what is changing, when it applies, and where to find further support.

Further information

Cabinet paper: Regulatory Standards Act 2025 - Implementation  

Cabinet Office Circular: CO (26) 2: Expectations for Good Law-makingopen_in_new