THERE seems to be a new attribute in politics - the apology.

And very welcome it is too.

Perhaps it might not be a full blown apology, not quite a ‘Sorry, we have got that wrong’ but nevertheless a tacit acknowledgement of the need to review a decision and think again.

In Westminster, politicians have appeared on camera to apologise profusely for wrong doings even if they were committed by other Governments several decades before.

Gone are the days of the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who demonstrated her iron will by refusing to turn no matter what.

Now, politicians have worked out if you apologise, it is a bit like pulling off a plaster. Painful at first but over quickly.

Colchester Council has shown admirable behaviour in stopping and pausing in its decision to charge for the collection of garden waste.

You can see where the council was coming from. By charging residents the equivalent of £1 each a week for the service, it can raise £1million - a significant plug in the black hole of its post-Covid finances.

However, the public did not take kindly to the idea of paying for a service it currently gets for free and especially when money is tight.

The question was also asked as to the impact on the council’s efforts to improve recycling and reduce landfill.

So the plan has been shelved for further consideration. No promises, no lies, but a chance to review.

A healthy demonstration of democracy in action.