First off, can I echo Jeremy Gould's comment. I just don't believe it could have happened at all, had it been a government-initiated exercise. It was a bit rich for the report to claim any credit.
The interim report was a little disappointing: lots of talk about pilots and guidelines, lots in the future tense, but little substantial progress to report. It contrasts markedly with the 'just do it' approach shown by (for example) Downing Street recently, or Tom Watson's rush of activity upon his appointment.
We need to raise expectations. By the time some of these lengthy consultations are completed, HMG will be left even further behind. We're reporting 'over 70 messages' in a discussion forum as a success.
The initial Power report laid down an important challenge to government: think different, take risks, work with what's already out there. These slow, grinding processes don't suggest that the message really got through.
Tom Watson is a welcome and timely appointment.
By Simon Dickson
