Rationale for Government Intervention

2.1.1  When appraising a policy or a programme, it is important to establish clearly the rationale for intervention, and to consider whether that intervention will be cost-effective i.e. that the benefits will exceed the costs.

2.1.2  When considering an individual project, it is not usually necessary to review the rationale for the policy or programme to which it belongs, but it is still necessary to assess the specific need and objectives in view (see Steps 2 & 3 below).