250+ people at the Neil Stewart Associates conference on Community Consultation – Empowering Communities last week waited for Hazel Blears, but unfortunately she was unable to appear; neither was Caroline Flint, her announced replacement. But had they showed up, no doubt they would have repeated the current policy that local authorities – and all their partners must do more to engage with local people …or in the words of Section 138 of last year’s Act – to inform, consult and involve.

It is no longer even controversial; from Chief Executives down, everyone accepts that public bodies ….and also private Companies working in the public space – do better if there is an effective dialogue with those whose lives are impacted by decisions these organisations take. The question is not if …. but how? This is where the action is.