What is a green paper?

A green paper is a government consultation document that sets out ideas and options for a new policy. It asks the public and experts for their views. It comes at an early stage, before the government has decided what to do. A green paper is often followed by a white paper.

Green papers let the government test ideas before committing to them. They often include questions and a deadline for responses. Anyone can respond, including charities, businesses, councils and members of the public. After the consultation closes, the department reviews the responses. It may then publish a white paper with firm proposals, or decide to drop the idea. The name dates from the 1960s, when consultation documents were printed with green covers. Not every consultation is called a green paper. Many are just called consultations. Green papers help governments spot problems early and build support for change. A green paper can cover almost any subject, from social care to the tax system. Responses are usually summarised and published later. Critics sometimes say consultations are used to delay hard decisions.