Code of Recommended Practice for Local Authorities on Data Transparency

The Code of Recommended Practice for Local Authorities on Data Transparency  was published in September 2011. The Code was issued under sec. 2 Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 and sets out the key principles for local authorities in creating greater transparency through the publication of public data.

The government believes that in principle all data held and managed by local authorities should be made available to local people unless there are specific reasons not to such as protecting vulnerable people or commercial and operational considerations. It encourages local authorities to see data as a valuable resource not only to themselves, but also their partners and local people, and hopes they will go further in publishing the data they hold than the minimum standards set out in this document.

When the Code was published, ministers committed to reviewing its content and scope within 18 months. DCLG ran a consultation on updating the Code, and the possibility of making it mandatory through regulations.

The consultation summary is here. There were 58 responses from town and parish councils.

The results of the consultation are that the Code will only be mandatory for principal councils not parish councils and that councils with annual income or expenditure over £200,000 are 'recommended' to comply with a lighter touch code. Councils with a turnover of less than £25,000 will be exempt from audit but required to comply with the lighter touch code.

The Government intend, in due course, to consult on the new light touch transparency requirements for smaller authorities.