As seen elsewhere, it's probably worth pointing out what the Better Regulation Executive say regarding public consultations:
6.1 All responses (both written responses and those fed in through other channels such as discussion forums and public meetings) should be analysed carefully, using the expertise, experiences and views of respondents to develop a more effective and efficient policy.The focus should be on the evidence given by consultees to back up their arguments. Analysing consultation responses is primarily a qualitative rather than a quantitative exercise.
Whitewash or no, it took me no more than 30 minutes to write short but concise justifications for my answers - which, given the arbitrary nature of some of the questions - wouldn't have made much sense otherwise.
Just something you might want to consider when you say NO to the DCSF.
