Local government transparency improved

China will standardize transparency in local government services through the establishment of a nationwide system by 2023, according to a guideline issued by the General Office of the State Council.

The system will cover all local governments’ administrative powers and public services, said the guideline issued on Wednesday.

The State Council has identified 26 pilot sectors that local governments are required to complete lists of service items for by the end of this year, according to the guideline. To improve transparency, the lists are to be made public.

The 26 sectors include land and area planning, major construction projects, public resources transactions, financial budgets and statements, and tax revenue management.

The lists should include details such as the name, content, basis for the decision and the time period, it said.

Meanwhile, departments of the State Council are required to finish compiling the guidelines for openness in all sectors of local government by the end of next year.

The guideline issued on Wednesday said that government websites and e-government media platforms should also play active roles in the disclosure of local government services.

To improve public participation in and transparency of decisionmaking, local governments should inform the public of policies and construction projects that concern their interests through measures such as symposiums, hearings and surveys, it said.

Timely responses should also be made to explain issues of public concern during the implementation of policies and projects.