On 07 September 2026, Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healy delivered a speech at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry about barriers that hold back economic growth.
Two lines from this are interesting:
1. ‘I will take an axe to the thicket of consultation, litigation and administration’; and
2. ‘I will end the consultation culture at the Treasury and beyond’
An accompanying Press Release also said that guidance would be issued to Ministers advising them that public consultations would not always be required ahead of implementing a UK Government policy. This guidance is also significant as it marks an end to the ‘general duty of consultation’ and the following quotes are worth noting:
- ‘Consultation culture has turned a sensible mechanism for sourcing external input into an industry of dither and delay’;
- ‘Formal consultation should only take place where there is a statutory requirement to consult’; and
- ‘The default position should be that ministers reach decisions and proceed to act on them’
These quotes do indicate a reduced number of consultations and Calls for Evidence and this is welcomed. They must not indicate a reduction in engagement.
For Bookkeepers
The guidance is correct in that the UK Government has an obligation to deliver on the pledges they have made. ICB hopes, though, that scaling back consultations and Calls for Evidence will not be at the expense of relevant industry engagement. Therefore, we are comforted by the quote that:
- ‘In many instances, the best approach will be more participatory policymaking. Involving a wider range of people in shaping our thinking earlier and more directly’
Consultations and Calls for Evidence may be reducing, however, remember this guidance to Ministers and the direction that appropriate engagement with the right people is the course of action for the future.