Department of Government Gobbledygook

Bill Jamieson has been having some fun with the ghastly nonsense that is Government-Speak. Some favourites:

BENCHMARKING – Clipboard activity suggesting that measuring a problem is the same as doing something about it. Gives illusion of purposeful action, as in David Milliband: “A diversity of approach allows us to spread risks, to test out different ways of working, and to benchmark best practice.” COMMUNITY GROUP – Special interest group with a grievance, or group of people a politician wants to flatter or appease. Participation in community not relevant. CUSTOMER – Someone who has no choice over the public service he or she is obliged to use. ECO – Three letters to attach to any development seeking a fast track through the planning system. ECO-HOME – A house made with planks. FRAMEWORK – Incoherent set of ideas; a miscellany. Often used in conjunction with ‘National’ and ‘Strategic’ to give ‘three lemons’ bonus pay-out in Buzzword Bingo.