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Last week I was privileged to attend the first meeting of central government's cabinet outside London since 1921. This was a fascinating event, with every government minister participating, along with representatives from public, private and voluntary sectors, schoolchildren and even competition winners.

Not that we were party to the actual cabinet meeting, but there again, among civil servants, only Sir Gus O'Donnell appears to be allowed to be present when actual business takes place.

What we were party to was a slick morning, with ministers mixing with attendees before and after what can only be described as a consultation event. At the myriad of tables, for which places had been allocated, a minister sought to find out our views on aspects of their portfolio and then any other matters of concern to the table.

This opportunity was not to be missed, and issues like crime and disorder (particularly knife crime), rural transport (rather the lack of it) and educational standards came to the fore. After the table discussion, a series of questions were taken by individual government ministers and the prime minister. In addition, a commitment was made to answer every point made in writing in the next few weeks.

The whole event was reminiscent of several public consultation meetings Stratford on Avon DC has undertaken on community plans and corporate strategies (although much more grandiose), particularly when hearing the reaction of some attendees. Comments like ‘this is just a huge publicity exercise' and ‘nothing will come of it' abounded. Isn't it a shame that this is a common reaction to a well-intentioned and brave initiative, given recent press about the government? Local authorities have difficulty in engaging their public, but how many times is that magnified for central government?

What the event did emphasise though was that all work done on consultation is well-founded but only matters if findings influence future actions. We must ensure we prove sceptics wrong by showing clearly how we have used what we have gleaned from consultation to improve public services and the quality of life for our communities. Let's hope the Government do too.

Paul Lankester is chief executive of Stratford on Avon DC.