Joseph Chamberlain, the man who brought street lighting and paving to Birmingham, is generally considered the nation’s greatest public health visionary.

But perhaps Public Health England can be seen to have similar visionary powers.

A few months ago the organisation was widely mocked for producing an action plan to deal with a heatwave, as the nation shivered.

“In the midst of the coldest spring in 30 years, the government offers advice on coping with days of balmy summer,” was the Guardian’s line.

The Daily Telegraph reported: “As people continue to wrap up following the cold start to the summer in the UK, facing hailstones and temperatures well below average for May, Public Health England has published its heatwave strategy for 2013.”

Where are the cynics and snipers now?