As well as the 7 RIS questions, the government maintains 10 principles for policy makers:
- Regulation should not be the default option for policy makers: the policy option offering the greatest net benefit should always be the recommended option.
- Regulation should be imposed only when it can be shown to offer an overall net benefit.
- The cost burden of new regulation must be fully offset by reductions in existing regulatory burden.
- Every substantive regulatory policy change must be the subject of a Regulation Impact Statement.
- Policy makers should consult in a genuine and timely way with affected businesses, community organisations and individuals.
- Policy makers must consult with each other to avoid creating cumulative or overlapping regulatory burdens.
- The information upon which policy makers base their decisions must be published at the earliest opportunity.
- Regulators must implement regulation with common sense, empathy and respect.
- All regulation must be periodically reviewed to test its continuing relevance.
- Policy makers must work closely with their portfolio Regulatory Reform Units throughout the policy making process.