Impact assessment

The Government prepares an impact assessment before tabling many bills. It describes the existing law, objectives, options considered and expected economic, social, financial or administrative effects. It informs parliamentary scrutiny but is not itself voted on and does not replace the bill's provisions.

An assessment compares the costs and administrative effects of several options for reforming a public service.

This is an assessment before legislation, not an evaluation carried out after the law enters into force.

Prepared before tabling

Assesses foreseeable consequences

Informative rather than normative