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Hsin Chu, August 2012

Policy-making

Charles-Henri Montin, Senior Regulatory Expert,

Ministry of economy and finance, Paris

http://smartregulation.net

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Summary of Presentation

Definitions of ‘public’ policy Role of the public servant Why focus on policy-making? The policy-making cycle Tools for better policy-making Challenges

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What is Policy?

Policies – a proposed or adopted course or principle of action – are usually based on values and interests, that guide how we act in specific circumstances

Individual– I do not walk home alone after 8pm

Family– We do not play loud music late at night

Organisations– Recruitment; Holidays; Complaints;

Political ‘party’ policy– Conservative; Socialist; Liberal

Government public policies

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Public Policy

• No single definition, but generally considered as: The broad framework of ideas and values within which decisions are

taken and action, or inaction, is pursued by governments in relation to a particular issue (problem) or set of issues (problems).

• Public policy is an attempt by government to address a public issue

• Public Policy ≠ Politics

Policy-making is the process by which governments, usually through the public administration, translate their political vision into programmes and actions to deliver change.

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Where do public servants fit in?

Policy problem, issue, challenge to be addressed

Political imperative, promise: decision to act

Public administration – civil service: formulate options, develop solutions, implement decisions

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Nature of Policy

• Re-active Policies that respond to emerging issues

• Pre-active Policies where there’s been an opportunity to

predict, scan, or prepare for future issues, factors, trends or threats

• Pro-active Policies that break new ground, are innovative, set

and pursue a new vision

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How are public policies delivered?

• Direct provision of services – education, health-care

• Funding – spending / taxation

• Advocacy

• Regulation

National International Agreements / Treaties

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Types of Policy

• Vertical (silo-based) Developed within a single organisational structure –

usually a single ministry / related agencies / bodies may also be involved

• Horizontal (integrated, cross-cutting) Developed between or among different parts of the

organisational structure

Usually one ‘lead’ ministry

Other ministries, agencies or bodies have responsibility for part of the policy issue

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Why focus on policy-making?

• Changing environment:

Faster pace, policy challenges are more complex and inter-related

• External pressures – citizens, business, international community … for more effective, better quality policies /

regulations

• Economic pressures … for greater efficiency given fiscal constraints … for policies that will encourage, support and

sustain economic growth

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What does a policy-making process look like?

Different models but should include: Definition of the problem or policy challenge

Identification of desired outcome/objective

Identification of options to achieve outcome

Analysis of likely impacts, costs of options

Consultation with all relevant stakeholders

Decision process (usually government)

Enactment (if regulatory) & Implementation

Monitoring

Review, Evaluation & Revision

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Policy-making ‘cycle’

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Key elements of a quality policy-making process?

• Outcome rather than output focused

• Evidence-based

• Involves all relevant players

• Designed and implemented to minimise unnecessary burdens or impacts

• Aims to be pre-active and pro-active

• Learns from experiences – nationally and internationally

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Tools for better policy-making?

• Impact Assessment

• Consultation

• Co-ordination

• Policy and programme reviews

• Value for Money audits

• Better regulation

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Challenges for policy-makers?

Policy and…

•Science Making use of science to identify issues, public risks, and

solutions (beyond precautionary principle)•Budget

Identifying and quantifying costs of policy and scheduling corresponding public expenditure

•Strategic planning & government cycles Longer-term planning & strategic policy-making

(sustainability)

•Law drafting Ensuring policy objectives are effectively translated into

legislation without excessive burden to society

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To continue the study…

Citizens as Partners: OECD Handbook on Information, Consultation and Public Participation in Policy-Making (2001)

Focus on Citizens (2009) Further questions contact:

• charles-henri.montin @ finances.gouv.fr