Calls for greater government transparency

Access to electronic files could improve the efficiency of departments

Greater government transparency will only happen if MPs are granted access to the management information systems of departments either online or through a new secure portal, according to MPs.

A new system would improve the openness of government, said Michael Jack, a member of the Commons liaison committee, which compiled a report on the subject.

“The system would make it possible for parliament to examine the government’s financial proposals with greater knowledge and understanding,” he said.

The report recommends that electronic management accounting and information systems be accessible to MPs, either online or via a secure portal.

Committee members said if they had more power to challenge the government on financial matters, departments would become more efficient.

The recommendations come against a background of widespread calls for greater government transparency.

“This will help to expose the inefficiencies of our unwieldy public services,” said Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the Taxpayer’s Alliance.

“It shouldn’t stop at giving MPs access. The taxpaying public foot the bill for all this, so they should be able to scrutinise their employees spending their money, too.”

The Cabinet Office ­ - responsible for co-ordinating policy across government departments - ­ said it would examine the proposals and respond in two months.