Sorry to be negative, but this new era of listening and engaging with citizens on the big issues is all for show. Remember New Labour's Big Conversation? Or how about LibCons 'tell us what laws you want rid off'? Or the best are consultations, the results of which have absolutely no effect on policy.

It is wishful thinking to think we have reached a stage of direct democracy where we can meaningfully influence the decision making processes of elected officials. Whatsmore demonstrations have become meaningless, as have petitions.

That said, the scale of cuts on our immediate horizon is horrific, and we do need to keep tabs on what decisions are being made, and where necessary organise locally to protect our essential services. As long as this forum is part of a broader process of protecting our services then its not all bad, but it is far from the be all and end all.