Improving access to information in Local Government
Techniques to enhance the transparency and accountability of local authority decision-making are being examined in a new consultation paper.
The paper seeks views on how certain aspects of the access to information regime for local government might be strengthened further, to ensure that all local authorities work within a spirit of greater openness.
The consultation focuses on three key areas:
- clarifying the categories of information that councils may choose to exempt from public disclosure;
- extending the minimum requirement to make agendas and reports available before public meetings from three clear days to five; and
- seeking examples of local authorities’ best practice in setting financial thresholds which define decisions taken by executives as key – and therefore discussed at open meetings. It will also look at how guidance on indicative thresholds might best be framed.
Announcing the commencement of the consultation period, Beverley Hughes said: “councils will shortly be introducing new ways of operating that are more efficient, transparent and accountable. In order for this to work, it is vital that we have in place an effective and robust system of accountability to ensure the public have access to the important decisions which affect their daily lives.
“The public’s right to see documents and have access to the council decision-making process must be fully upheld by all councils. I am convinced the regime we have introduced, together with the additional proposals we are consulting on today, will deliver this openness”.
The consultation paper seeks views on revising and updating Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 with the intention of ensuring greater clarity for those who interpret it and ensuring that the descriptions of exempt information relate to genuinely exempt information. Schedule 12A defines information that a local authority need not disclose but may disclose unless prohibited from doing so by any other enactment.
The consultation paper is available online at http://www.local-regions.detr.gov.uk/consult/infoinlg/index.htm. The deadline for response is 30 June 2001.
