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Open data and transparency

Find out about a range of LGA programmes to promote the understanding of open data, develop a policy towards local transparency and identify and share good practice of open data use.


The Government has made transparency and open data a key priority as it fosters accountability, drives improvements in public services by informing choice, and stimulates innovation and growth. The move to greater openness and transparency is part of a wider transformation process of rewiring public services across local government.

The LGA promotes open and transparent local government to meet local needs and demands. It encourages a meaningful approach to open data to

  • Design services around user needs
  • Engage and empower citizens to shape their communities and services
  • Drive efficiencies and public service transformation
  • Promote economic and social growth through the innovative use of data
  • Be transparent and publicly accountable.

The LGA supports authorities in their understanding of local transparency through guidance, the development of common standards, the promotion of good practice, a collaborative approach for releasing data, and the better use of data through existing and new online applications, tools and services such as LG Inform. Many local authorities increasingly release open data in meaningful and innovative ways and engage with local groups to make better use of it.