Writing in this week’s NLJ, Nick Wrightson, partner, Kingsley Napley, puts public inquiries themselves under the spotlight. Are they fit for purpose, what shape should they take and what do they achieve in practical terms?
Wrightson says: ‘The record of statutory inquiries for delivering real change through their recommendations (as opposed to their reputation for securing public accountability at hearings) is rather mixed.’
Nevertheless, he points out their many advantages as well as disadvantages, and explains what form suits best which type of issue.