GOOD LAW How can it contribute to inclusion

GOOD LAW How can it contribute to inclusion? Office of the Parliamentary Counsel UNCLASSIFIED

Some history “I wish that the superfluous and tedious statutes were brought into one sum together, and made more plain and short. ” Edward VI (1537 -1553) “The law is regarded by its users as intricate and intimidating. . we should regard the current degree of difficulty as neither inevitable nor acceptable. ” Richard Heaton CB, First Parliamentary Counsel, April 2013 2 UNCLASSIFIED

Legislation is important But. . . empowers intricate and complex protects can hinder economic activity resolves helps difficult to comply with provides stability can create burden for people and businesses gives opportunities 3 UNCLASSIFIED

A changing audience? Who uses legislation today? legislation. gov. uk • over 2 million unique visitors per month • 450, 000 page views to in 2012 “Schedule 2? I’m not sure what that is. It shouldn’t be this hard to work out. This a real wind up! They do this all the time. ” (HR specialist, TNA research) UNCLASSIFIED Artists: Noah Spahn

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Vision for good law effective necessary accessible coherent 6 UNCLASSIFIED clear

How do we get there? Engage , invite ideas internal partners & external partners Content f o y t i l a Qu tatute s e h t k o o b Language & style Architecture Accessibility User expe rienc e Publication

8 What next? • How can we work together to promote good law? • Should we change our approach to lawmaking? • How do we help users find the law they need? Talk to us. . . Visit: www. gov. uk/good-law Email: Good. Law@cabinet-office. gsi. gov. uk Good law blog: www. good-law. tumblr. com On Twitter: #goodlaw UNCLASSIFIED