Overview

The Local Audit (Public Access to Documents) Bill amends the 2014 Local Audit and Accountability Act to increase public access to certain documents previously restricted, including commercially confidential information and documents related to NHS bodies in England. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in local government and the NHS.

Description

This bill modifies Section 26 of the 2014 Act, which governs the inspection of documents related to local authority audits. Specifically:

• It removes the exemption that prevented public access to audit documents relating to NHS bodies in England.
• It removes the exemption for commercially confidential documents.
• It removes a clause concerning the inspection of documents relating to the audit of health service bodies.
• The bill will come into force two months after it receives Royal Assent.
• The bill applies only to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. The main cost will likely be associated with the increased administrative burden on local authorities and NHS bodies in England to process requests for access to the previously restricted documents.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• The Public: Will gain greater access to information relating to local authority and NHS finances and operations, promoting greater transparency and accountability.
• Local Authorities: Will face increased administrative burdens in managing requests for access to previously restricted documents.
• NHS Bodies in England: Will face increased administrative burdens in managing requests for access to previously restricted documents.
• Businesses: Businesses whose commercially sensitive information is held by local authorities might experience increased risk of exposure.

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