Reading Borough Council Publishes Spending Details

Reading Borough Council has published the details of all expenditure greater than £500 for 2009/10 and for 2010/11 to date. The publication of expenditure follows the Government’s Transparency Agenda and the announcement requiring every local authority to release such information in the interests of openness and accountability.

Reading Borough Council believes transparency is a key condition and driver for the delivery of Council services. As a public funded organisation, the Council has a duty to the residents that it serves to be transparent in its business operations and outcomes.

The full expenditure data can be found at http://www.reading.gov.uk/councilanddemocracy/transparency and will continue to be updated quarterly. Senior Salary Data can also be accessed by following the link.

Reading Borough Council Leader Andrew Cumpsty said: ‘Residents expect their Councillors to spend their money wisely, on services that matter to them. Through this new initiative, we will ensure openness and honesty, with all our residents being able to see how we are spending their money. Through this new open approach, any resident will be able to see how Council Tax is spent at the touch of a button. This is more openness, honesty and accessibility in Local Government.”

This is a sharp contrast with the approach of the previous Labour administration which seems to have gone out of its way not to let the public know what was going on!