AQO 89/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 15/02/2024
Answered On Date: 27/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the work of the Open Government Implementation Group since September 2021.

Answer:

I am keen to work with Ministerial colleagues to advance open government.

The ‘Open Government Implementation Group’ comprised representatives from departments and civic society - the Open Government Network.

From 2016 to 2021, it co-created and contributed commitments towards the joint UK Open Government National Action Plans.

In a move towards more ambitious and meaningful Open Government commitments, the Implementation Group agreed to instead focus on Local Action Plans that relate to issues in this jurisdiction.

The first Local Action Plan has one commitment – to develop our own Open Government Strategy. This work is being led by my department to provide a solid basis for action plans and replace the Implementation Group with a new and more cohesive co-creation structure and process.

My officials have continued to meet with the Open Government Network to co-create and progress the strategy. They also regularly meet with the Open Government Partnership (the international oversight body) as well as UK counterparts to share best practice and build stronger working relationships.