White paper
Generally, a white paper is a policy document or authoritative report that is produced by the government. It aims to concisely set out and inform about proposals that may become future legislation.
Typically, complex issues and problems are presented and explained in a way that makes it clear what the government’s position is on the matter, and as such, may sometimes include a draft version of a Bill that is already being planned. That said, they are considered a ‘tool of participatory democracy’ rather than an ‘unalterable policy commitment’.
The publishing of white papers enables further consultation and discussion with interested and/or affected groups. Such discussions and feedback can then result in final changes being made before Parliament is formally presented with a Bill to debate and vote on. In this way, the government is able to gauge reaction to policy issues and make necessary alterations so as to give it the best chance of passing through into legislation.
Some examples of white papers affecting the construction industry include:
- Brexit white paper (2017).
- ‘Fixing our broken housing market’ (2017).
- ‘The Natural Choice: Securing the value of nature’ (2011).
White papers are different to green papers, which are published more frequently, and are referred to as consultation documents for being much more open-ended.
NB: The name 'white paper' is also sometimes given to research papers or policy commentaries produced by the private sector.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Industry survey highlights persistent skills gap
Building engineering business survey by ECA in partnership with BESA, SELECT and SNIPEF.
IHBC Conservation Professional Practice Principles
Spotlighted in HEF Historic Environment Overview.
CIAT collaborates with CIOB, CIfA, Icon to launch The Arc
Helping clients find specialist historic environment professionals.
Government building safety remediation data releases
Show some progress, but a 50% gap not yet started.
Testing For A Safer Future; an initial industry response
A response to the Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime.
Requirements for UK buildings in certain circumstances.
CLC guidance for dutyholders and accountable persons.
Types of contractor in the construction industry
A long list, but are any missing ?
The Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill 2023
Unanimously approved to legislation on May 14, 2024.
Asset information requirements AIR
In detail, with links to further resources.
Where it's AT Building Safety podcasts from CIAT
Unravelling the Golden Thread and CIAT’s Principal Designer Register for non-HRBs and HRBs.
What happened to Hadrian's Wall?
Its former stones can be found in buildings near its route.
Strategic ventilation in modern building design
Download your free guide.
Four new types of prior approval for solar developments
Online Planning Portal application types from 5 September.