Spending watch

Campaign directors for the Tax Payers' Alliance have praised a Champion initiative to keep track of the Sefton Council's spending.

Council Spending Watch aims to give people a clear view as to how their taxes are being spent and what the council's priorities are.

This year for the first time the council's monthly expenditures of over £500 are being published as part of a government drive to promote transparency and ensure value for taxpayers' money.

Emma Boon, campaign director for the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: “Gold medals all round, it’s absolutely fantastic that The Champion are doing their bit for transparency by publishing this column.

”We were delighted when councils started publishing their spending online – it’s something that we’ve campaigned for long and hard – but not everyone has access to the internet, it’s good to know those that don’t won’t miss out.

“The council spends taxpayers money and Sefton’s residents have a right to know what they are spending it on, so that they can hold the council to account and make sure they’re getting value for money.”