Were all consultations simple Yes/No votes, life would probably be simpler. Dumbed-down, maybe; but without doubt simpler!

In reality, however, policy-making at all levels is complex and there are shades of opinion or nuances of approach which are seldom picked up when we opt for over-simplistic dialogues. The truth is that consultees often want to offer a conditional response – one that is hedged around with reservations, or tied to a particular interpretation of the facts.

Here are three typical scenarios:-

• A planning proposal envisages building several hundred houses, and local residents are asked for their views. In general, there is little outright opposition, but serious doubts about the ability of the authorities to provide the required roads, health centres or schools needed to support a bigger population. It may be a yes ….. but there is a big but …….