Off limits for state spending

Autonomous Mind focuses on a decision by Newcastle Council to give money to "good causes". As he says

This underlines the lack of accountability in our town halls.

Several areas should be off limits for state spending. Here are two.

When companies reach an out of court settlement with a complainant who's threatening to sue them, they usually add a dollop to bribe the complainant keep the complaint private. (Think News of the World.) These confidentiality clauses cost money, as we know. The firm complained against then avoids bad publicity like this.

State bodies should be forbidden to include confidentiality clauses in settlements. This is partly for financial reasons (they cost taxpayers more money) but also for reasons of governance - complaints where a taxpayer-funded body has admitted liability should be out in the open.

It's grotesque that taxpayers should pay to shield managements and staff from scrutiny.

Another area off limits should be donations to charities. In a democracy, decisions about donations should be made by the people. The people should choose the causes and give the money. (Call it the Big Society if you must.) By the way, this includes overseas aid to fund African despots fight global warming in Africa. Councillors don't care which charities their voters would like to support. (OK, it's probably the RSPCA, but that's freedom for you.) Chris Huhne the messianic peacock gives not a fig for anyone's opinion.

So that's another test Newcastle Council failed.

It's not even as if local authorities are flush with our cash, as Richard North points out.