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Continuing the national debate on the new information age, the Audit Commission today publishes a second discussion paper in its 'Truth' series The truth is out there posing questions such as ‘What information will capture the public’s imagination?’ and ‘How will the public know what information to trust?'

In November 2009, Nothing but the truth looked at the reliability of facts and figures used by public service providers and decision-makers such as councils and health trusts, social workers, doctors and police.

Now the debate changes focus to examine the information available to the public itself - its quality, accessibility, volume and trustworthiness.

Chief Executive of the Audit Commission, Steve Bundred, sets the scene:

'Web technology has made ours an information and communication age. More people than ever before regularly access the internet, use social networking sites, and buy their goods and services online. Technology is helping people to decide how to live their lives, from planning their travel to choosing schools or hospital treatments.

'Making information available online can do more than help people make choices about using public services. It can enhance democracy by giving people more of a voice. If we know what decisions our councillors or MPs are facing, what they are spending taxes on, and what the results are, we can hold politicians and public servants to account, identify waste and even expose corruption.

'But this will work only if the information in the public domain is accurate, understandable and trustworthy. If it is not, poor decisions will be made and trust in public data further eroded. Not all of the information in the public domain yet meets those standards. If the benefits of transparency are to be realised, it needs to.'

This debate is timely. It follows the clamour for greater access to information on subjects such as MPs' expenses, discussions over the size and cost of publicly-owned sites like BBC Online, and December’s successful launch of the Oneplace online overview of local public services. We are also on the eve of a general election when social media and search technology will be used more intensively than ever.

The discussion paper describes the challenges ahead. Information that captures the public's imagination is the most likely to be used, it says, so just depositing large volumes of data online is not enough to give people more choice or to improve decision making.

There is an increasing number of 'infomediaries' who present data in ways people like to use - the report points to the international popularity of smartphone and computer applications (apps) on topics as diverse as your local MP, potholes and checking up on blind dates.

But, over recent years, reports by the Commission has questioned the accuracy of public information, and the debate must consider what assurances the public needs in order to be able to rely on the information made available. 'The truth is out there' highlights risks in opening data and information up to ever wider access, and suggests ways to mitigate these in the years ahead. It also asks whether putting more information into the public domain could stifle innovation or breed risk-aversion.

User-generated websites aimed at scrutinising the public sector are becoming increasingly common and are building a following, giving people a voice on what matters most to them. The paper highlights examples of these from Britain, and further afield in Estonia and Australia. It also contains case studies, including:

• Wychavon District Council's online surveys and face-to-face interviews, giving residents a voice on how it should spend money
• Bury Metropolitan Borough Council's online budget simulator that helps local people understand budget setting
• Lewisham Borough Council encouraging residents to report local eyesores - graffiti, fly-tipping, abandoned cars - by sending images using their mobile phones, email or the council website
• NHS Choices which gives online advice about GPs, hospitals and dentists in an area, and offers an interactive section on how well local health services are performing
• Redbridge i website which allows local people to shape their user profile to ensure they get only information relevant to them

'The truth is out there' aims to stimulate debate on transparency in the public sector. Comments are invited online via thetruth@audit-commission.gov.uk.

Notes to editors

The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.

Our work across local government, health, housing, community safety and fire and rescue services means that we have a unique perspective. We promote value for money for taxpayers, auditing the £200 billion spent by 11,000 local public bodies.

As a force for improvement, we work in partnership to assess local public services and make practical recommendations for promoting a better quality of life for local people.

For further information please contact:

MARK NICHOLSON
Media Relations Manager, Audit Commission
Millbank Tower, London SW1P 4HQ

Direct line 0844 798 2135  /  0207 166 2135
24hr Press line 0844 798 2128  / Mobile 07813 038132 
Email m-nicholson@audit-commission.gov.uk