Citizens’ assemblies will transform Britain. That’s the promise made by activists from groups like Extinction Rebellion. Labour has also mooted introducing the assemblies if it wins power, even if it did later backtrack on the plans. In Waltham Forest, north-east London, the revolution has already begun: a citizens’ assembly is underway there that will determine ‘the future of neighbourhood policing.’

I entered a large gym where about 50 delegates and volunteers, seated around six tables, were listening to presentations from criminologists and youth workers. The procedures of the assembly are multi-layered and distracting, as if designed to keep everyone engaged by giving them small chores at regular intervals.

This sounds like a handy ruse invented by criminals

First, there’s a plenary session in which a speech is delivered by an expert. Then the assembly separates into six committees of eight persons each, overseen by a commissar in a lime-green tee-shirt. The commissars lead a group discussion which settles on two ‘priority questions’, written out by hand, and pinned to a whiteboard. After this, the plenary session reconvenes and the speakers are presented with 12 questions (two from each committee) and their responses are noted. These responses form the basis of recommendations which are added to other recommendations generated by parallel groups meeting on other dates. Finally, the council is presented with a summary of all the recommendations. OK. Sounds good. And then what? I was told that Waltham Forest will look for ‘quick wins’ – which may mean new bylaws or fresh layers of regulation. The Metropolitan Police will consider implementing the assembly’s findings. This is rather worrying. Obviously the cops are not remotely concerned that any serious reforms will be demanded.

The atmosphere in the hall is earnest and happy-clappy. The name badges of the green-shirted commissars read like the guest-list for a vegan tea party: Emily, Alicia, Hannah, Daisy and Amber.