1. Financial transparency John Nicholson Financial Strategy Directorate (x42873) – Name and contact information Aileen Wright Financial Management Directorate (x47355) – of responsible Scott Bell Scottish Procurement and Commercial Directorate – department/team (x40450) UK Government (interaction between UK and Scottish Fiscal/Budget Government processes), Scottish Local Authorities, Scottish Colleges and Other Universities, and Scottish Government Public Bodies involved actors Civil Society, Society, Scottish Parliament, Private Sector, Academics Private Sector The Scottish budget and fiscal environment is changing significantly as a result of the new powers being devolved to Scotland through the 2012 and 2016 Scotland Acts. As a result of the Scottish Government gaining significant tax and borrowing responsibilities, Status quo or problem/issue there is growing public and Parliamentary interest in tax policy and to be addressed how it compares to other parts of the UK, in economic performance which influence tax revenues, in borrowing decisions, and in contractual and spending patterns all of which support public services in Scotland. To clearly explain how public finances and provide an accessible presentation of public financial flows into and out of the Scottish Government, including to local authorities, commercial and third sector organisations. We will develop, with partners, ways to provide Main Objective financial, procurement and commercial information that is coherent, consistent and in a format that is useful and easy to understand for communities, the 3rd sector and citizens. This will include consideration of how national budget information could complement participatory budgeting at local and national levels. Description of The Scottish Government will seek to improve the presentation and Commitment clarity of the financial, procurement and commercial information it publishes so that members of the public can understand it better. (140 character limit) Please describe the way in which this commitment is In delivering this commitment the Scottish Government will advance relevant to further advancing its commitment to all 4 OGP values of Transparency, Accountability, OGP values of access to Participation and Technology & Innovation. The delivery of this information, public commitment will result in the clarity, format and range of publically accountability, civic available information being enhanced, as well as implementing a participation, and technology refreshed set of modern scrutiny and accountability arrangements and innovation for openness with the Scottish Parliament around Scottish public sector finances. and accountability (details above)
1. Financial transparency Name and contact information of responsible department/team John Nicholson – Financial Strategy Directorate (x42873) Aileen Wright – Financial Management Directorate (x47355) Scott Bell – Scottish Procurement and Commercial Directorate (x40450) Other involved actors Government UK Government (interaction between UK and Scottish Fiscal/Budget processes), Scottish Local Authorities, Scottish Colleges and Universities, and Scottish Government Public Bodies Civil Society, Private Sector Society, Scottish Parliament, Private Sector, Academics Status quo or problem/issue to be addressed The Scottish budget and fiscal environment is changing significantly as a result of the new powers being devolved to Scotland through the 2012 and 2016 Scotland Acts. As a result of the Scottish Government gaining significant tax and borrowing responsibilities, there is growing public and Parliamentary interest in tax policy and how it compares to other parts of the UK, in economic performance which influence tax revenues, in borrowing decisions, and in contractual and spending patterns all of which support public services in Scotland. Main Objective To clearly explain how public finances and provide an accessible presentation of public financial flows into and out of the Scottish Government, including to local authorities, commercial and third sector organisations. We will develop, with partners, ways to provide financial, procurement and commercial information that is coherent, consistent and in a format that is useful and easy to understand for communities, the 3rd sector and citizens. This will include consideration of how national budget information could complement participatory budgeting at local and national levels. Description of Commitment (140 character limit) The Scottish Government will seek to improve the presentation and clarity of the financial, procurement and commercial information it publishes so that members of the public can understand it better. Please describe the way in which this commitment is relevant to further advancing OGP values of access to information, public accountability, civic participation, and technology and innovation for openness and accountability (details above) In delivering this commitment the Scottish Government will advance its commitment to all 4 OGP values of Transparency, Accountability, Participation and Technology & Innovation. The delivery of this commitment will result in the clarity, format and range of publically available information being enhanced, as well as implementing a refreshed set of modern scrutiny and accountability arrangements with the Scottish Parliament around Scottish public sector finances.
Scotland_Subational_Action-Plan_20161125_0.docx