Both are necessary for the full expression of accountability. In its stewardship of national affairs, it is important for a Government, in its accounting, to be involved in not just the giving of an account but also listening to what is being said. Accordingly, accountability requires a continuing exchange or dialogue with the electorate in which the public can both obtain and provide information, while the Government is open to scrutiny, listens and responds. This process informs government decision-making between periodic elections as well as voters choices at election time. In this way, there is active, participatory democracy which complements and validates representative democracy.
Accountability depends on openness.
Not only must information be made available, but it must also be made comprehensible. Published documents should not be opaque and indigestible or contain obscure acronyms and language unfamiliar to the public. The use of the Official Secrets Act is deplorable in health matters where disclosure is outweighed by public interest. Health reforms are usually a conflict zone, characterised by tensions between doctors, patients, the Government and the healthcare entrepreneur, the most recent player. Medical science and technology will make it possible to do more and more for people at ever increasing cost.