Q.
What happens when the expert 'knows best' about local issues?
A.
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Does the expert actually know best, or do they only think they do? And in what respect do they know best? Sometimes there is more value in allowing people to make their own bad decisions than making good decisions on their behalf – that’s the point of democracy! As Gandhi once famously said ‘we want the ability to govern ourselves badly’. There is nothing that says that the experts can’t provide their solutions to issues to local people as well as hearing what local people have to say, before all the options are costed and voted on. That way every voice is heard, including the expert’s. Also, PB doesn’t require you to start with a blank sheet of paper. Experts can provide expert solutions and the community can vote on those – although you are missing out on innovation by ignoring the community solutions. And if the experts are still upset and insisting they know best, then maybe it’s more about culture change than anything else.
PB Unit rolling out masterclasses
PB masterclass: commissioning and budget cycles
Choose Health in Deptford
