Today Programme discusses the effectiveness of public consultation
The Today Programme, BBC Radio 4's flagship current affairs show, last week discussed the impact of New Labour's 2003 initiative. The Big Conversation. The initiative was launched amid talk of rejuvenating democracy though citizen's jury's and focus groups, which were to allow politicians to be better informed about the views of the electorate.
Five years on, however, doubts have been raised as to the effectiveness of New Labour's near obsession with public consultation. It is believed that cynicism from the public has led to difficulties in convincing people to take part.
This view was underlined by Boris Johnson's recent comments. The new Mayor of London launched a consultation into the congestion charge. Followed by journalists he asked a passer-by whether she would like the charge abolished, kept, or made easier to pay. He then revealed his own preference, which was the third option, somewhat undermining the exercise.
Bobby Duffy, Deputy MD of polling organisation IPSOS MORI, argued that consultation is effective is done in an ‘adult' fashion. That is to say, the aims of the consultation are made plain to those asked to participate. Tony Travers of the London School of Economics argued that consultation can make an impact, particularly at local level.
What's clear is that ‘big tent politics', including public consultation, is unlikely to go away. What is less clear is how the Government is going to improve the system to enhance the effectiveness of its public consultations. With the candle of New Labour fast burning out what will the next Government's approach to consultation be?