It's Your Right to Know



Good and Bad Practice

Some (but not many) local councils and police authorities advertise the public inspection dates and details on websites, with advice and guidance to those wishing to take advantage of their legal rights.

Other local authorities fail to provide correct, adequate or helpful information to taxpayers wishing to check how their money has been spent.

Some even attempt to charge unreasonable fees for copies of files.

A number (improperly) use other legislation seemingly to mislead, delay or frustrate people wishing to exercise their rights to peruse files which are supposed to be open to inspection.

Several have previously told ONB they have no intention of publicising any audit dates or inspection details on their 'corporate' websites. Since March 2011, this is a statutory requirement in England.

The 'worst offenders' have either failed to provide information in response to FOI requests, or have waited until the end of the inspection period before replying.

ONB profiles some of the 'best' and 'worst' authorities, including (where possible) links to documentary evidence.

Is your local authority one of the 'best' or 'worst' when it comes to encouraging you to exercise your public inspection rights?

Click here to find out.

London & Regional Updates
The 2010-2011 accounts of major local authorities were open to public inspection last summer. For additional information relating to unitary, metropolitan and shire counties etc. (copies of relevant notices and links to relevant websites), check the links below Information on the 2011-2012 accounts will be posted soon.

A to Z
All Principal UK Authorities


ENGLAND
London Borough Councils

Metropolitan Councils

County Councils

Unitary Councils

Metropolitan Police Authorities

Other Police Authorities


WALES
Unitary Councils

Police Authorities


SCOTLAND
Unitary Councils

Police Boards


N. IRELAND
Unitary Councils

ONB Briefings


Click here for links to C.I.J. slideshow & video briefings