This just in from the Isle of Wight council. You might remember that we’ve been asking them to release it for a while. If you find anything interesting in the numbers, please post it below for discussion – Ed.
In line with Government moves to make the financial dealings of local authorities transparent, the Isle of Wight Council has published online details of every transaction of over £500 it has made in the last full financial year.
Online
On a new online facility, the council has also published the posts within the authority that command salaries of over £50,000 a year. Also displayed is the council’s asset register – a list of all the properties and sites the council owns or leases – as well as details of all the council’s current contracts worth over £10,000.
Initially the data for 2009/10 will be displayed and that will be followed in weeks with the data for 2010/11. The database will be updated quarterly.
Cllr Pugh: “It is only right that we are held to account”
IW Council leader Cllr David Pugh, said: “Any step that makes the dealings of this council more transparent to those we serve is to be welcomed. It is only right that we are held to account and this new website will assist the process by enabling all residents to be part of the scrutiny process.
“It will give us as a council the chance to demonstrate how we have taken steps to reduce expenditure across the authority – a trend that must and will continue in the coming years.
“As we respond to these difficult times by prioritising expenditure on those areas of most importance and on residents most in need, we will see an ongoing reduction in the value and scope of our spend.
“This will become increasingly apparent in the coming months and years particularly as we cease to have direct control over areas such as Tourist Information Centres and holiday attractions.”
The Spotlight on Spend website hold the data.
