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CAB163/00
12 April 2000
For the many not the few - McCartney publishes code for better public consultation
New measures, including a new code of practice, will give people a bigger say in
Government, Cabinet Office Minister, Ian McCartney said today.
The Minister told the Public Administration Select Committee that he was publishing a
new code on how to effectively involve the public in written consultations around
developing policy proposals and new services. Mr McCartney also revealed plans for an
Internet-based 'one stop shop' of consultation exercises.
Mr McCartney said:
"Modern government is about providing opportunities for the many not the few. It
is about tackling people's aspirations in a practical way. That means we must consult
effectively; to listen to what people want, and use their ideas and experience to
transform the way we provide public services.
"Real consultation should make it as easy as possible for people to put their
views forward. But it should not stop there. We must turn consultation into action.
"This code, which sets out the key principles behind truly effective consultation,
will lay the foundations for a more meaningful relationship between Government,
individuals, businesses and the voluntary sector."
The draft code, which has been published for comments:
 | States that consultation should be built into the planning process for a policy or
service from the start, to allow the greatest possible time for proposals to be developed
to meet the needs of the public;
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| Emphasises the importance of reaching out to the widest possible range of people to tap
into their ideas and experiences;
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| Gives practical advice on reducing the burden on the people being consulted. Documents
should be clear, concise and focussed with a two-page summary. They should be easy to
respond to, for example by using questionnaires and e-mail. Regulatory proposals that may
create burdens for business, charities or the voluntary sector should include a regulatory
assessment;
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| Notes that written consultation papers are not always the best way to canvas views on a
new policy or service. Other methods include: meetings with interested parties;
'listening' events; web forums; user surveys; and use of the People's Panel or other
public surveys;
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| Recommends an Internet-based central register of Government consultation exercises.
There are also plans to allow people to opt to be informed, by email, of new consultations
of interest to them;
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| Stresses the need to give sufficient time to respond: 12 weeks is the preferred limit, 8
weeks the general minimum; and
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| Notes that all responses should be analysed carefully, in an open minded way, with a
full record, and feedback given. |
The final code will be binding on departments, unless Ministers decide they have to
depart from it - when they must give an explanation.
In a foreword to the code, the Prime Minister said:
"Everyone gains by effective consultation. It improves policy and services by
harnessing the experience and ideas of the whole community, opening the work of government
to greater innovation and creativity. It is critical to the trust between the Government
and the people."
Notes for Editors
1. Media copies of the draft code of practice on written consultation are available
from the Cabinet Office press office on 020 7270 0043. Copies are also available on the
Internet at
www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/servicefirst/2000/consult/code/content.htm
2. Other copies of the draft code are available from Paul Greening, Modernising Public
Services Group, Cabinet Office, Admiralty Arch, The Mall, London, SW1A 2WH, or by calling 020
72761729.
3. Comments are being sought on the draft code by 7 July 2000. Responses should be sent
to Paul Greening at the address above, or by fax (020 7276 1704) or e-mail: bestpractice@cabinet-office.gov.uk. The Government aims to publish the final version of
the code in the summer.
4. The National Consumer Council was involved in the drafting of the Cabinet Office
guide, How to conduct written consultation exercises, published in June 1998. In drawing
up the draft code of practice, the Cabinet Office again consulted the National Consumer
Council.
5. The web-based register of consultation documents will be published on the No10
website later this year.
6. Examples of how other methods of consultation may be used include:
| Listening events -the series of Listening to Women events resulted in the publication of
Voices. A national listening event, to be held on 17 May at the QEII Conference Centre in
London will conclude a series of regional of Listening to Older People events. A similar
exercise aimed at young people resulted in the publication, Listen Up, which was published
by the Cabinet Office yesterday (April 11 2000).
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| The People's Panel - a 5,000-strong, nationally representative group which can be used
for qualitative and quantitative research. The latest results from the Panel, looking at
the demand for round-the-clock public services, were published by the Cabinet Office on 3
April 2000. For more details see www.servicefirst.gov.uk
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| Web forums - the Number 10 website - www.number-10.gov.uk
- includes 'Your say', a policy discussion forum on issues of current concern.
The Government's e-envoy Alex Allan also welcomes views from the public on e-commerce and
the government's use of new technology in his Internet chat room at www.e-envoy.gov.uk. |
7. Mr McCartney was appearing at the Public Administration Select Committee's inquiry
on Public Participation. For more information about the inquiry, contact Alda Barry on 020
7219 3268.
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