.png)
.png)
Why some Budget secrecy is desirable
KEY POINTS
- New security markings are to be introduced by the government.
- Budget ideas are subjected to many tests.
- Cost to the exchequer and the taxpayer.
- Unlikely to change the Budget process.
New security markings were brought in across government on 2 April as explained by Jon Snow and Francis Maude in a short video.
In effect all the lower tiers of security from “unclassified” and “protect” to “restricted” and “confidential” have been folded into one new category called “official”. Government information is now “official” “secret” or “top secret”.
When examined more closely though it seems there might not be much practical difference. Paragraph 21 of the Cabinet Office instructions gives permission for what are “slightly more sensitive than just official” categorisations (see Descriptor below).
...
Alternatively, you can register free of charge to read a limited amount of subscriber content per month.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email directing you back to read this item in full.
