licensing_source_status

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is well covered. The description adds that this is a status check of source evidence, but does not disclose additional behavioral details like caching, update frequency, or response characteristics. This is acceptable for a simple read-only status tool, so a mid-range score is appropriate.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, well-structured sentence that immediately states the action and the object being checked. Every word contributes meaning, and there is no redundant phrasing or filler.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a zero-parameter, read-only status-check tool with an output schema and comprehensive annotations, the description is complete. It tells the agent what is being checked and why it matters, and no additional invocation guidance is needed.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The tool has zero parameters, so there is little for the description to add beyond what the schema already communicates. The baseline for zero-parameter tools is 4, and the description correctly focuses on the tool's purpose rather than inventing unnecessary parameter detail.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific verb ('Check') and a specific resource: the freshness and review status of official GOV.UK evidence used by the sponsor-change checker. This is clearly distinct from the sibling tools, which cover impact assessment, event listing, and checker information.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The purpose is clear enough that an agent can infer when to use it: when checking whether the underlying source evidence is fresh or has been reviewed. It does not explicitly name alternatives or exclusion conditions, but the wording 'used by the sponsor-change checker' provides sufficient context for selection among the given siblings.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.