A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

David Cameron has made a pledge to publish not just the details of spending over £25,000, but details of all government contracts worth over £25,000 for goods and services in full, including all performance indicators, break clauses and penalty measures.

According to Cameron, this will provide a greater level of transparency that the public demands, enabling voters and taxpayers to “google their government”. The result, he hopes, will be the eradication of wasteful spending, poorly negotiated contracts and the creation of an open and transparent procurement system.

If Cameron can deliver what he pledges, this will be a step in the right direction should the Tories form the next Government. Transparency is a crucial part of regaining public trust. Unless Government can demonstrate that this has been achieved, they will fail to regain public confidence. MPs expenses are really just the tip of the iceberg. All government spending should be open to scrutiny if government is to regain credibility. Any steps that help to achieve this should be welcomed.

Interestingly, Transparency International is now looking at ways to promote a more transparent and less corrupt environment here in the UK. Given the UK is often accused of preaching to developing countries on what constitutes ‘good governance’, it surely makes sense to make sure that our own house is in order first.