One of the points the noble Lord makes is about making what was a voluntary requirement mandatory in as much as local authorities will be required to report quarterly. As I have said before, it is important to aid transparency at a local
level. We need to see greater levels of transparency. We have seen good and bad examples among local authorities. The code issued in May is recommended practice until the regulations are made. This order enables the regulations that we intend to make that will require quarterly publication. The noble Lord is right to say that we are moving from a mandatory code, but these regulations will make it a requirement for the local authority to report on a quarterly basis. I hope I am clear on that.
In conclusion, I once again acknowledge the noble Lord’s broad support for the intention behind the Government’s actions, which local people and local authorities believe will bring greater transparency and benefits. Local authorities have made progress in
publishing key basic data. Where it has been good, that has been widely acknowledged, but unfortunately the data have been patchy in certain areas. Greater transparency can help secure better public services, greater accountability and increased economic growth. The respondents to the Government’s recent consultation did not question the quarterly publication of expenditure and contract information. We believe ultimately that this is about ensuring that our citizens at a local level are served well and in a transparent manner. That is certainly the message behind this order and I commend it to the Committee.