One of the frequent arguments against public and stakeholder consultation is that it often produces negative reactions to reasonable plans that public authorities wish to implement. Worse, it acts as a magnet, attracting dissidents and opponents like bees to a honey-pot. According to some, whatever the criticism may be – having a consultation is bound […]
Anyone reading Robert Francis’ massive Report into the Mid-Staffordshire Hospital Scandal(1) will surely be appalled at the widespread failures which meant that hundreds of patients suffered whilst Regulators and bureaucrats vacillated. Its 290 recommendations challenge almost every aspect of the status quo and is a tough read for everyone associated with the provision of health and
Mid-Staffs Report spells engagement challenges for NHS and Councils Read More »
Last week’s Radio Four programme File on Four was called ‘Taxing questions’ and looked critically at HMRC’s recent activities in engaging openly with key stakeholders. Two current situations were dealt with in detail. One is what’s called the Patent Box – a new tax regime, announced in last year’s Budget and designed to improve the
In July 2012, the Cabinet Office produced a new set of Consultation Principles, intended to replace the 2008 Code of Practice, and put into effect immediately. Many established stakeholder organisations were taken aback, leading in time to a decision by the House of Lords Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee to conduct an inquiry in the autumn
Consultation has always been a formal process within a wider environment of public engagement. No-one has ever suggested that we have to declare a consultation before a public debate can take place and, of course, a great number of important issues generating enormous controversies are never subject to consultation. Indeed it has always seemed a
Unannounced consultations! – No-one now waits for the consultation to start Read More »
Three quite separate and seemingly unrelated situations arose in one day last week. The Government’s decision to provide transitional help for Councils who are currently in consultation on new Council tax benefit schemes. The extra £100m just announced may indeed be welcome (it’s equal to about 25% of the 10% cut in the available money)
Not quite force majeure – When events appear to compromise a consultation Read More »
In preparation for the Institute’s Tenth Anniversary in 2013, there has been a good deal of discussion about the most significant changes that have taken place over the decade. We have concluded that there are two massive issues:
It’s probably true to say that we were all taken by surprise when the Cabinet Office suddenly produced its new set of Principles in July. The Institute certainly was not aware … and we are yet to meet any of the Whitehall Departmental Consultation Co-ordinators who had advance notice. But, in hindsight, there were many
Neighbourhood planning seems to be one of the most challenging pieces of planning legislation in a long time; some seem to think it holds endless possibilities; sceptics think it is bound to fail, causing only extra costs and complications. Yet the surge in public interest in the last 6 months – and the 200 plus
Neighbourhood Planning – Crunch Time? Read More »
In recent months, English local authorities have been conducting public consultations on the design of local Council Tax benefit support schemes, replacing the previous nationwide arrangements. It has been a challenge, as the Government laid down strict rules for these replacement schemes – and simultaneously reduced the available money by 10%. Pensioners could not be
Local Council tax benefits – possible re-consultation Read More »
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