Objectives

- Map the range of mechanisms which the England, Scotland and Wales Government uses to consider longterm issues, and considers the ways in which Parliament and the public are engaged in the process.

Description

“…….communication is vital when considering the long-term. Openness about the ways in which government is thinking about the future will not always be easy. The nature of long-term thinking means that policy has to take account of real uncertainties. Speculative work may carry political risks. Government should be as open as possible about the way in which it considers long-term issues, to build public understanding of possible future scenarios. Change in policy in the light of changing knowledge and circumstances is a sign of strength not weakness; and a public which recognizes that strategies are made in the light of the best evidence available at the time, with all the uncertainty that this implies, may be better able to understand the need for change. Openness will also help to counter the short-termism inherent in the political cycle. There was a silent political consensus that the pension system was unsustainable long before any party dared to suggest reform. Discussion about the likely problems of the future will not lead to consensus about the policies needed to respond to those problems (as is evident from the current argument about the future of road pricing), but it will ensure that the political debate has to take a long view. Openness about the Government's assessment of likely future challenges will also enable counter views to be articulated, and ensure that debate is as wide as possible……” “…..This report maps the range of mechanisms which this Government uses to consider longterm issues, and considers the ways in which Parliament and the public are engaged in the process. One of the key tensions in long-term policy-making is between the centre, which is able to take a long-term view and challenge departmental thinking, and departments, which have practical experience and in-depth knowledge. The reports suggests that departmental Ministers should be more closely involved in the work of a strong central strategy unit. It welcomes the Government's attempts to increase strategic capacity within departments, and the corporate capacity of the civil service as a whole. …” Policy Hub, HM Treasury

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