Openness and Transparency

According to recent news reports the new coalition government is urging councils in England and Wales to publish all spending over £500.

The government's says this will lead to greater value for money - and is part of their ongoing 'revolution' in being open and transparent.

The aim is that by September 2010 all councils will be expected to publish details of spending above £500 - for the public to see and scrutinise for themselves.

The government is also urging greater clarity on councillors' expenses and over the minutes of council meetings - to explain clearly what was discussed and decided.

Now - setting partisan politics aside - that really is a grown up approach to good local government and good local decision making.

Knowledge is power, but all too often in the past - knowledge and vital information were carefully controlled - allowing decisions to be made by small groups - in secret and behind closed doors.

So, the more open and transparent the decision making process - the better for all concerned in the long run.

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