Inaction on problems

There often appears to be a serious and widening gap between policies and actual programmes, between the written word and the practice on the ground, between rhetoric and reality. Most 'strategies' are not vigorously followed up by plans of action with timetables, resource allocation and monitoring procedures. Whilst it can be the case that technical recommendations exist in abundance, and declarations of intent and commitment are produced, yet the ability or the will to go further is often absent.