The Green Paper Discussion (the document link is here too!)

ChatGPT says this on consultations.

In the UK, the government is not legally required to hold public consultations on all new legislation, but it is strongly encouraged as part of good governance.

When Are Consultations Required?

The government follows the Consultation Principles (last updated in 2018), which set out best practices for engaging stakeholders before making policy or legislative changes. However, consultations are not legally binding unless specific laws require them.

Situations Where Consultation May Be Required

1. Statutory Requirement – Some laws explicitly require consultations. For example:
   • Equality Act 2010 – Requires consultation where policies impact protected groups.
   • Local Government Acts – Require consultations on certain local authority decisions.
2. Judicial Review Risk – If a government decision significantly affects people's rights and there is no consultation, courts may find the decision unlawful through judicial review (if it is deemed unfair or irrational).
3. Major Policy Changes – While not always legally required, the government often consults on:
   • Large-scale reforms (e.g., tax, healthcare, education).
   • Regulatory changes affecting businesses.
   • Controversial issues (e.g., environmental policies).

Exceptions

• Emergencies (e.g., COVID-19 laws) – The government can bypass consultations if immediate action is needed.
• Manifesto Commitments – The government may argue that consultation is unnecessary for policies promised in election manifestos.

Conclusion

While not always legally required, consultations are often conducted to ensure transparency, fairness, and to avoid legal challenges. Failure to consult can lead to judicial reviews or political backlash.

Exactly!! I read it same way as you, we are protected under the equality act 2010 and it should have been consulted on legally. In my view(and i'm not Judge Judy) this can be challenged in court.

Me, I'm close to VSEDing. And if I get reassessed and classed as fit for work or LCW it means there will then be things that I'll be required to do by the work coach, which I will not be able to do, which means my money will be cut further or stopped altogether, which will mean I'll have no choice but to VSED, as I wont be able to afford food and will starve, and even if I could afford food, I just couldn't live with the worry of having baliffs coming round or being taken to court because of me not being able to pay council tax, I wont be able to take meds anymore due to not being able to have free prescriptions anymore, I'll be housebound as I wont be able to afford to run my car anymore, and my gas and electricity will end up being cut off because of not being able to pay the bills. So I would rather be dead and will just refuse food even if it's given to me for free. I will take appetite suppressants so I don't suffer as much, and will stop drinking all fluids so I don't suffer for as long.

So as we are a protected group under the equality act then by law they have to have a consultation.

Labour are done for.

I really do hope so especially after Ellen Clifford just won in court over the last green paper. You’d think though Starmer would know this as he was literally the top lawyer in the country at one point being director of public prosecutions so it’s cast doubt over whether this is a deliberate ploy to win votes from the right knowing it’s going to be challenged? Or does he just think so highly of himself that he doesn’t care anymore? I don’t trust this government at all after leaky Liz and her department the past week leaking all this to the press. But at least there’s a bit of hope it won’t go ahead so fingers crossed 🤞🏻

Yes exactly, maybe i'm wrong but sure others on here are more legally minded than myself!!

Well I filled in the consultation form, I was as polite as I could be but it's oddly cathartic having a good rant at them even if it won't do any good. With a bit of creative thinking you can turn any of the questions into an opportunity to tell them they are going to kill people.

Thankyou that got a much needed titter out of me

I commented the same regarding Starmer . They look tough on benefits but even if it’s implemented by the dwp if it goes to court and they lose it’s back pay for everyone. By then Labour will probably be finished anyway so no come back on them