Are things really changing?

Inside Croydon claims a minor victory for openness and transparency, via Twitter. The council’s new Twitter account, @CROYdemocracy, has taken on board our observation and revised its online profile and picture to make it absolutely clear that it is an account run from Taberner House by the council.

“Is website not a giveaway? Difficult to fit in everything, but will reconsider if this a big issue?” the nameless council official Tweeted at 5.35pm yesterday when they had their identity questioned.

We replied: “Of course it is an issue. The notion that you don’t declare identity is anathema to trustworthiness”.

By 9pm, the nameless Croydon council official – we understand that it is Margot Rohan – had been busy, tweaking the profile, changing its name and picture, and updating their copy. “Please note revised logo, title & profile – clearer now – honesty & integrity important”.

This can only be welcomed and applauded (especially after hours on the Friday of a bank holiday weekend). Let’s hope the responsiveness, reasonableness and transparency can be duplicated in other aspects of the council’s work.

Maybe we can get sight of the £450 million Hub contracts now?

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