Agenda item

Cllr Roy Perry and Gesche Schmid introduced a report which updated members on progress with the local transparency programme since October 2014.

Members discussed the importance and value of data, and looked at the barriers some councils face in digital sharing. There is a white paper expected that will help tackle such barriers to information sharing.

Members were concerned that the costs of publishing data were not being met fully and raised the importance of ongoing conversations with DCLG.

Decision

Members confirmed Cllr Roy Perry is the lead for local transparency.

Members agreed the proposal for a digital and data strategy and endorsed the approach for Cllr Theo Blackwell (London Borough of Camden) to lead on the data vision and seek members’ input through a summit.

Members noted the updates regarding the existing programme, with reference to the Local Government Transparency Code and the open data funding programmes.

Members noted and approved the LGA approach to information sharing and the transfer of local land charges.