Secretariats website

In neutral terms, the benefits, disadvantages and risks of the proposals so that Ministers receive a balanced picture.

• Other departments' interests;
• any other affected parties;
• dissenting views and/or
• negative results.

Where a department has a disagreement with the department requesting clearance, the paper / letter should set this out in a neutral way.

Public expenditure costs or savings (of lead or other department), other economic impacts, and how the proposals represent value for money.

• Views expressed by the Treasury ;
• the Efficiency agenda and
• the Treasury Green Book [External website PDF]

The last time the proposals were brought to the attention of a Cabinet Committee and any forthcoming plans to bring the proposals back to a Cabinet Committee.

• Previous correspondence and meetings of that Committee.
• Other Cabinet Committees which may have considered these issues
• the outcome of the correspondence round or Committee meeting
  

The impact on business, charities and voluntary organisations of any proposals involving new or amended regulations

• The results of the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) prepared in accordance with Better Policy Making: A Guide to Regulatory Impact Assessment and
• any discussions with the Better Regulation Executive and
• any discussions with the Small Business Service.

All proposals with impacts in excess of £20 million p/a or disproportionately on a particular sector should be cleared by ED(PRA) Committee in addition to the relevant policy Committee.

Where EC requirements are being implemented, confirmation that the European Law checklist has been followed

• Appropriate legal advice.

How the proposals meet the economic, social and environmental objectives of sustainable development. This includes any significant costs and benefits to the environment.

• Views from the Sustainable Development Unit in DEFRA.
• The Government commitment to sustainable development as set out in the UK Sustainable Development Strategy[External website]

Any European Convention on Human Rights implications.

• Guidance from the Ministry of Justice [External Website]

Whether implementation will require primary or secondary legislation.

The legal implications especially if there is a risk of successful legal challenge.

Discussions with the Government Equalities Office.
The need for an equality impact assessment.

The implications for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Regions.

Consultation with the Devolved Administrations and territorial departments.

Consideration given to the interests of particular groups such as women, the elderly, the disabled or ethnic minorities.

• Discussions with the Government Equalities Office.
• The need for an equality impact assessment.
  

Any change in responsibilities of or financial burdens on local government.

• Consultation with the department for Communities and Local Government.

Consideration given to impacts on health.

• Any Health Impact Assessment which may have been carried out and
• Views of the Department of Health.

EU and any other international obligations relevant to domestic proposals

The impact on e-commerce and e-government.

• Views of e-envoy
• The e-policy principles

As regards to major projects or procurements, clear business need, and details of the project plan and risk assessment.

• OGC Gateway guidance and reviews.

As regards EU proposals or negotiations, analysis of the factual position, budgetary and wider economic effects, impact on UK law and tactical considerations.