Council pledge on spending records

THE Government has accused councils that are failing to publish their spending records online of denying the public the right to hold them to account.

New rules requiring local authorities to release details of all purchases over £500 — so the public can see where their money is being spent — do not come into force until January.

But Communities Secretary Eric Pickles is claiming with only 45 working days remaining until the deadline the clock was ticking.

To date Oldham Council has not released its information but council chiefs say it will be done.

Councillor Lynne Thompson, cabinet member for performance and value for public money, said: “Oldham Council will publish details of all spending over £500 in full online from November.

“This is well in advance of the January requirement set out by the Government.”

Mr Pickles welcomed new guidance from the Local Government Association detailing the best way of putting council spending and senior salary information online. The guidance stressed the importance of ensuring that the data was clear, comprehensible, machine readable, and licensed to encourage re-use.

Mr Pickles said: “I’ve called for a new era of transparency where all councils publish their spending over £500 online. I commend those councils that have been brave enough to face public scrutiny so far. There are now only 45 or so working days for those lagging behind to catch up.

“The public have a right to see how their council tax is being spent so they know they are getting value for money and the best possible frontline services.”

A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government added: “Local authorities that don’t put their spending detail online are denying the public the right to hold their council to account.”