Transparency in public institutions is vital.

People have the right to know where their money is going and how it is spent.

They have a right to know why these organisations take decisions and the reasons behind them.

When you sign up to take money from the public purse, being open to scrutiny is a key part of that transaction.

Nearly three months ago, The Courier set out its position on NHS Fife’s handling of questions about how much taxpayer money the health board had spent defending itself against a discrimination claim brought by nurse Sandie Peggie.

We wrote that it was entirely reasonable for the people of Fife to know how much of their money was being spent on legal fees at a time when NHS resources are stretched and patients face long waits for care.

This came after Freedom of Information requests from several publishers including The Courier.

And as the organisation claimed disclosing the cost so far would be breaching........

© The Courier