People want managers to manage and recognise the ultimate legitimacy of elected members in making decisions. The key is to provide them with an opportunity to be involved. The first tension needs to be addressed head-on in the development of a participation strategy. Equally, knowing more about the public's view does not determine the decision. Evidence of public opinion is often unclear, contradictory or slanted.
Councillors have a key role in judging the strengths and weaknesses of the public's view.
They are held to account for such judgements at the ballot box. Their role has changed. In the early days they challenged some of the consultation - 'that's my role'. They now accept they can't pretend to know what all their constituents think. Some Members see it widening their role, with participant democracy sitting alongside representative democracy.