Government consultations

A government consultation asks people or organisations for views on a proposal, policy or plan. It is one way a department gathers evidence and feedback while developing policy. A consultation is not a vote: the department considers responses when deciding what to do.

Find a consultation

Browse policy papers and consultations on GOV.UK. Open the consultation page to check:

• what the department is asking about
• who it is seeking views from
• the questions and any supporting documents
• the closing date and the instructions for responding
• whether the consultation is still open

Always check the original page before preparing a response. A listing or saved link may be out of date, and the department's page is the source for current deadlines and instructions.

Respond

Read the questions and supporting material, then follow the response instructions on the consultation page. The page may specify how to submit a response and whether it accepts attachments or responses by email. Do not send sensitive personal information unless the consultation's instructions explain why it is needed and how it will be handled.

Government guidance says consultations should have a clear purpose, provide enough information for people to respond, and take responses into account as policy is developed. See the Consultation Principles.

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