Top news today: FoI, council spending, Unite
Author: Zoe Stavri
Published on Oct 04, 2012
In the news today, Labour announce they would extend FoI laws, Scottish councils do not adequately record their spending and Unite embark on a recruitment drive for Labour.
LABOUR WOULD EXTEND FOI LAWS- The shadow justice secretary has revealed that under a Labour government would extend freedom of information laws to cover private-sector companies that deliver public services. How much would this help improve scrutiny and accountability?
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/59dd0a86-0d79-11e2-bfcb-00144feabdc0.html#axzz28JPxRfd7
COUNCILS “DO NOT EXPLAIN” HOW THEY SPEND £40, 000 A MINUTE- Audit Scotland has found Scottish councils’ detail on their spending is “of poor quality, unclear and incomplete”. What measures could improve transparency?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-19821546
UNITE “TO RECRUIT 5000 TO LABOUR”- The biggest trade union is aiming to recruit 5000 members to the Labour Party to reconnect with the party.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/unite-to-recruit-5000-to-labour-8196021.html
Our view on how Labour and the unions could reconnect: http://unlockdemocracy.org.uk/blog/entry/transparency-about-the-trade-union-labour-link-benefits-everyone