The Public Interest Test Definition

The Public Interest Test (PIT) is a document that is used to assess whether a certain action or decision is in the public interest. The test is comprised of six key elements:

1. The need for the action or decision: Is there a pressing need for the proposed action or decision? If so, how will it benefit the public?

2. The alternatives to the action or decision: What are the other options available? How do they compare to the proposed option in terms of effectiveness and cost?

3. The impact of the action or decision: What will be the positive and negative consequences of taking the proposed action or making the proposed decision?

4. The costs of taking the action or making the decision: What resources will be required to implement the proposed option? How will these costs be borne by different groups within society?

5. The benefits of taking the action or making the decision: Who will benefit from taking the proposed action or making the proposed decision? To what extent will these benefits be distributed equitably across society?

6. The risks associated with taking the action or making the decision: What are the risks associated with taking the proposed action or making the proposed decision? How likely are these risks to materialise, and what would be their consequences if they did materialise?