A local council has launched what it describes as a “common sense consultation” designed to “bring the public back into decision-making”, before clarifying that the public will be asked to contribute primarily through nodding.
The initiative, rolled out this week as part of a wider “back to basics” programme, invites residents to attend a series of listening events where officials will present a preferred conclusion and then pause for “community input”, defined in the accompanying leaflet as “a respectful silence indicating agreement”.
“People are tired of being talked down to by process,” said one spokesperson, speaking beside a poster that read HAVE YOUR SAY (APPROPRIATE VOLUME ONLY). “This is a simpler, more intuitive approach. We say what we’re going to do, and you let us know whether it feels right.”
Attendees at the first session were offered three feedback options: a slow nod, a fast nod, or a concerned nod indicating that the council should proceed immediately but with extra determination. A fourth option, labelled “additional thoughts”, was available via a QR code that redirected to a page thanking visitors for their passion and asking them to consider nodding again after a short walk.
Organisers said the consultation was created after residents complained that previous engagements had been “too technical”, with surveys asking for details such as “what you think” and “why”. Under the new model, the council says it can capture the public mood more efficiently by focusing on “the bit where everyone just knows”.
Critics argued that the consultation appeared to treat disagreement as a failure to understand, but officials insisted the system was inclusive. “Anyone can nod,” the spokesperson said. “We’ve removed barriers. There are no wrong answers, except the ones that sound like a lecture.”
The council confirmed further sessions are planned, including a “common sense budget workshop” in which residents will be invited to indicate whether they would like “lower taxes” or “better services” by selecting both and then staring meaningfully at the floor.
