What Are The Most Effective Moments At Which Pressure Groups Can Influence Policy?

There are three main stages at which consultation occurs. The earlier a pressure group gets involved, the more chance it has of success.

First is the point at which the government of the day is working out new policy but are making no public statements. Pressure groups can exert most influence at this stage. Next, the government's intentions reach the public domain, but no law is proposed as yet. This is the point at which a green paper is published and insider groups are invited by civil servants. From then, the chances of success recede, especially once a white paper has been published. These are government backed proposals.

When a particular policy is implemented, parliament has only a limited time in which to consider new legislation. Many acts of parliament are brought into force and the timing of secondary legislation is very important to pressure groups with an interest in a particular policy.

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