Much more transparency: well it would be nice if we could believe it: maybe it will really be a "powerful tool to reform public services, foster innovation and empower citizens". However, similar transparency with MPs expenses doesn't seem to be going well; making all MP's claims publicly accessible online isn't a bad idea but I think it should be done BEFORE the bills are paid; the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority IPSA has a searchable database HERE with expenses by MP/constituency but they could make it easier with nice easy to understand graphs and figures [thank you Datablog, 09/10 figures]. I know expense claims have fallen - accomodation claims by HALF (2008-09: GBP10.5m, 2010-11: GBP4.9m) - which is good but to be honest I still think an average of 130 to 140 thousand quid is still way too high. I also think the system should cover all civil servants and councils/ local government (and the BBC?); it needs to be fair but it also needs to be strict, like...erm...the systems that real people, in the real world, have.
I have to say our local newspaper is brilliant when it comes to obtaining information that local politicians would rather keep buried. I would say that in my experience the more you make something available the less likely people are to access it, it's the just the idea of openness which appeals.
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