Since CAP774 there has been excessive 'over-controlling' of VFR traffic in Class G airspace solely to deconflict it from traffic under Deconfliction Service. The simple provision of traffic information to the VFR flights should suffice. 'Agreements to maintain a specific course of action' are often excessive and overkill.
Service provision is wildly inconsistent between ATSOCA units. Basic Service frequently includes traffic information even though the ATCO should 'avoid the routine provision of traffic information' unless s/he 'considers that a definite risk of collision exists'. The risk of collision in the majority of cases seems to be non-existent. Often the traffic information is more akin to an eye test. 'Duty of Care' is often taken to extreme. I suspect it is probably intended minimise TCAS RAs to avoid paperwork. Many 'agreements' as applied to VFR flights on Basic Service which result in tortuous deviation are often totally unnecessary. If this situation is allowed to continue pilots will be less inclined to contact those units which appear to be unable to provide the services in accordance with CAP774.