Communities secretary Eric Pickles' campaign to open up local government to further transparency gained momentum last week, when he announced plans to put all contracts and tenders for more than £500 online.

Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) conference in Birmingham, Mr Pickles outlined the plans, following on from publishing all spending, and said: ‘This doesn't just strengthen the hand of citizens. It strengthens the hand of rank-and-file councillors, letting them know what officials are doing on their behalf.'