Cracking down on leaks

THE leaking of confidential reports from central and local government appears to go hand in hand with the democratic process these days. Is that because the democratic processes we have can stifle the free flow of crucial information to the public?

In Aberdeen, leaks from the city council are deemed to be so serious that the council’s chief executive is now bringing in new disciplinary procedures. This has led to a member of the council having to apologise publicly to chief executive Sue Bruce after accusing her of “attacking democracy”. His crime was to breach the code of conduct by openly criticising officers in public, rather than his opinion itself.

If any branch of government leaks like a sieve, we have to ask ourselves what is wrong with that organisation which creates such an atmosphere. The public often have a lot to thank the whistle-blowers for.

On the other hand, controlling parties in councils and governments are not averse to planting information with the media when it suits them, often disguised as “confidential briefings”.

When there is a crackdown on leaks they never go away – those responsible simply become smarter and more deadly.