Introducing Regulatory Impact Analysis into the Turkish Legal Framework “Training the Trainers” November 2008 Session 5 Defining the Problem and Establishing the Existing Situation

What is the Purpose of an RIA? It provides a framework for policy makers to: Identify the problem to be addressed Consider the objectives to be achieved Set out possible options for analysis Carry out assessments of risks, costs and benefits Undertake effective consultation Plan implementation and enforcement Enable informed decision-making by ministers

Some Key Questions What is the problem? Why is government intervention needed? What are the objectives we want to achieve? How can we get there? Are there alternatives to regulation? How will we implement and enforcement to ensure compliance? Do the benefits justify the costs?

Problem Definition Identify and clearly define the problem – not always what it appears to be Why has the problem arisen? What harm is being caused? What is the evidence? What is the risk of doing nothing? Quantify the problem e.g. pollution emissions will result in 10 million cases of illness by 2015

Considering The Impacts When defining the problem, think about all potential impacts: economic - including wider impacts such as those on investment, innovation, productivity social – e.g. health, education, safety environmental – e.g. air or noise pollution, waste

Example In the UK, proposals have been made to ban the sale of chocolate and fizzy drinks in schools. What is the problem? Children spend too much money on them? Sugary products rot their teeth? These products make them hyper-active? Kids are becoming fat?

The Problem… All of these are issues but real problem to be addressed is increasing trend in childhood obesity. This has major health impacts: health of the child long-term significant health risks as an adult As well as being a problem for the individuals and their families, this is also a problem for health care services and levels of absence from work through illness.

What Is The Objective? Policy objective is to reduce childhood obesity (in line with Government’s ‘Health of the Nation’ strategy) NOT to prevent children buying chocolate and fizzy drinks at school. That is one option to be considered along with others such as a education strategy, encouraging increased participation in sports etc.

Rationale For Government Intervention Quantifiable evidence of increasing rates of obesity among children and that those affected are getting younger. Creating significant social problems and economic impacts on health service and in labour market. BUT regulation to ban sale of sweets and fizzy drinks in schools may not be best solution and range of options needs to be considered.