Method

How we handle evidence

A page is citeable only if a reader can check the source without contacting us. Fact and opinion separated. Figures carry a source and a date. No anonymous accusation of a named officer or contractor.

What makes a question valid?

A question is open until a conclusion is published and lodged. "Open for evidence" is not a finished position. The counter of structured questions on this site matches the question registry.

What is evidence?

Accepted evidence has a source, a date, and a conflict declaration. Rejected evidence stays visible with the reason. A comment thread is not a record.

How are projects and consultations handled?

Transport projects and consultations are unofficial compilations. Each row carries a source URL and a fetched date. The official page governs. A row without a source URL is a draft and is not public.

How is official information tracked?

Requests under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 are tracked with the sent date and the section 10 due date of 20 working days. An extension is recorded only when the agency has given notice under section 14, with the reason.

What will we never claim?

• "Formally submitted" without a date, recipient, method and reference.
• "Verified member" without a written verification rule. A payment is not verification.
• A petition as if it has statutory force. A council petition has no legal effect unless the council's own process says so.
• Self-reported rates as a citywide dataset.