The huge variety of consultations makes it difficult to prescribe hard and fast rules for all aspects of the process, and there is always a debate as to whether or not options are required. See previous topics (including No 119 – Is that OK then?)

At this time of financial cutbacks, however, many public bodies are having to cobble together budget-reducing proposals and subject them to consultation somewhat quicker than would previously have been normal. Not all of these include traditional-style options and the speed required to meet deadlines has led many organisations just to present their selected proposals and ask the public to comment.