Reply from Environment Agency
Ewan Larcombe
67 Lawn Close
Datchet
Berks SL3 9LA
20 February 2007
Thames CFMP feedback
Flood Risk Management
Environment Agency
Kings Meadow House
Kings Meadow Road
Reading RG1 8DQ
Dear Sir
Initial response to Thames CFMP Consultation (both documents)
I wish to draw to your attention that I believe the above documents fail to comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice on Consultation issued by the Better Regulation Executive of the Cabinet Office.
After a foreword by Tony Blair in which he ‘encourages all departments and relevant public bodies to use it effectively’ the Code of Practice on Consultation contains six consultation criteria and a footnote as follows:
1. Consult widely throughout the process, allowing a minimum of 12 weeks for written consultation at least once during the development of the policy.
2. Be clear about what your proposals are, who may be affected, what questions are being asked and the timescale for responses.
3. Ensure that your consultation is clear, concise and widely accessible.
4. Give feedback regarding the responses received and how the consultation process influenced the policy.
5. Monitor your department’s effectiveness at consultation, including through the use of a designated consultation co-ordinator.
6. Ensure your consultation follows better regulation best practice, including carrying out a Regulatory Impact Assessment if appropriate.
These criteria must be reproduced within all consultation documents.
In my opinion, your consultation fails to comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice on Consultation. I look forward to receiving your views.
Yours faithfully
Copy: Better Regulation Executive