Predicting the future is a hazardous occupation.

Back in 2005, the Institute ran a series of Seminars on the impact of the recently-implemented Freedom of Information Act on the world of consultation. “Watch out” we said “from now on, you will have to keep a meticulous audit trail of how you analyse consultation data and present the findings to decision-makers”. Soon enough, we claimed, well-organised pressure groups and other consultees would demand to see this documentation – and use the FoIA to get it.