Local Government Transparency Code
The Local Government Transparency Code 2015 sets out key principles for local authorities to create greater transparency through the publication of public data. It outlines the minimum requirements for local authorities to publish open data for re-use and in a timely way.
The aim is to place more power into citizens’ hands to increase democratic accountability. This will make it easier for you to contribute to the local decision-making process and help shape public services.
This Code ensures the public can see and access data covering:
- how money is spent – for example, all spending transactions over £500, all Government Procurement Card spending and contracts valued over £5,000
- use of assets – ensuring that local people are able to scrutinise how well their local authority manages its assets.
- decision making – how decisions are taken and who is taking them, including how much senior staff are paid, and
- issues important to local people – for example, parking and the amount spent by an authority subsidising trade union activity