Seven numbers every citizen should find in a local budget
A plain-language guide to revenue, development allocations, revised budgets and project spending.
A plain-language guide to revenue, development allocations, revised budgets and project spending.
Seven numbers every citizen should find in a local budget does not accuse any person or organisation. It is an evidence-led civic guide created to demonstrate the JulyTimes investigative workflow.
Identify the record first
Record the document title, issue date, reference number, responsible office and reporting period. Where several versions exist, identify the latest amended copy before comparing figures.
Reconcile the information
Build a table separating the claim, exact document passage, date, source and remaining uncertainty. For numbers, confirm that units, totals, subtotals and reporting periods are comparable.
Experience and right of reply
Treat the documentary record and people’s lived experience as distinct forms of evidence. Send precise questions to the responsible authority before publication and state clearly when no response is received.
Limitations
This sample content is not a finding of real-world wrongdoing. Original documents, field verification and a meaningful opportunity to respond are required for actual publication.