Abstract
Growing attention has been paid to accountability issues, particularly since the implementation, in the UK, of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, which came into force on 1 January 2005. The growing complexity of contemporary governance, the rise of participatory incentives and the deepening of accountability procedures contribute to a relevant change in the nature of local governance. In this respect, the volume edited by Richard Chapman and Michael Hunt tries to offer a comprehensive review and analysis of the consequences of FoI for local governance.
Although the questions the book raises are not new, it underlines the diversity of strategies and depth of information available in order to promote openness for citizens to know what is being done by their local government. These different approaches comprise both the formal and informal rules of governance, and also the consequences of the leaders’ understandings about political accountability – how they appraise their relations with those who elect and keep them in office.
In order to understand fully the complexities surrounding accountability a more sophisticated approach is needed. In fact, the main drawback with this book is the fact that it does not explore the motives for openness, particularly from elected and administrative leaders. Follower dependence – highlighted by the discourse of accountability and transparency – can lead governments to a position of ‘imprisonment by events’, that is, to do solely what the situation requires or what people demand. Secrecy, confidentiality and political decisions often go hand in hand. This is the difficult equilibrium reinforced by accountability rules in the democratic process.
Nevertheless, the contributors to this volume emphasise that FoI has contributed significantly to openness in government. They also underline the important role played by socialisation and local government culture; it can even surpass formal rules that enforce openness. As the editors claim: ‘openness is … an ongoing activity [and its] success depends upon the extent to which the public … continue to press for more information’ (p. 8).
This book provides evidence of the advances in open government practice at the local level in recent decades. Rules and procedures have been implemented and much more information is now available from local authorities. However, as Chapman and Hunt conclude: ‘much still depends, and has to depend, on the good intentions and the sense of responsibility of individual councillors and local government officers’ (p. 144). This book will be of interest to those concerned with the efficiency of accountability procedures and legislation.