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
Designing for neurodiversity: driving change for the better
Accessible inclusive design translated into reality.
RIBA detailed response to Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report
Briefing notes following its initial 4 September response.
Approved Document B: Fire Safety from March
Current and future changes with historical documentation.
A New Year, a new look for BSRIA
As phase 1 of the BSRIA Living Laboratory is completed.
A must-attend event for the architecture industry.
Caroline Gumble to step down as CIOB CEO in 2025
After transformative tenure take on a leadership role within the engineering sector.
RIDDOR and the provisional statistics for 2023 / 2024
Work related deaths; over 50 percent from constructuon and 50 percent recorded as fall from height.
Solar PV company fined for health and safety failure
Work at height not properly planned and failure to take suitable steps to prevent a fall.
The term value when assessing the viability of developments
Consultation on the compulsory purchase process, compensation reforms and potential removal of hope value.
Trees are part of the history of how places have developed.
The increasing costs of repair and remediation
Highlighted by regulator of social housing, as acceleration plan continues.
Free topic guide on mould in buildings
The new TG 26/2024 published by BSRIA.
Greater control for LAs over private rental selective licensing
A brief explanation of changes with the NRLA response.
Practice costs for architectural technologists
Salary standards and working out what you’re worth.
The Health and Safety Executive at 50
And over 200 years of Operational Safety and Health.
Thermal imaging surveys a brief intro
Thermal Imaging of Buildings; a pocket guide BG 72/2017.