LIFTING THE LID OFF TOWN HALLS



The Audit Commission Act 1998

Section 15 of the Act enables electors and taxpayers of a particular borough or police authority area to inspect and make their own copies of council and police authority accounts.

These rights of inspection extend beyond the authority supplying data spreadsheets, listing income and expenditure, on request.

The public has a right to see the detailed contracts, invoices, receipts, books and bills that relate to the accounts of the recent financial year.

It is a criminal offence for a council employee to obstruct anybody exercising their legal right to see these records for themselves.

The local councils and police authorities are obliged to advertise the times and locations that the accounts are open to public scrutiny.

Authorities are also required to provide facilities for people to copy documents and records, but may apply a reasonable charge.



The main restriction applies to details of payments to employees and former employees, such as wages and pensions.

But this restriction does not entitle councils or police authorities to censor or 'redact' extracts of contracts, bills or invoices which contain financial details that are incidental to the employment of any member of staff.

The Act also provides electors and taxpayers with a right to question the auditor about the accounts at the end of the inspection period, and to lodge formal objections to any item of expenditure.

Electors and taxpayers must live in the locality of the local authority concerned, but may appoint an agent to carry out an inspection on their behalf.

For further guidance, contact Orchard News Bureau Ltd.