A STEERING group has been formed for the newly-set-up Greater Yarmouth Ratepayers' Scrutiny Group.A spokesman said the vision of the independent group was to ensure that the borough's taxpayers were kept fully and honestly informed about why and how their money was spent by the council.

A STEERING group has been formed for the newly-set-up Greater Yarmouth Ratepayers' Scrutiny Group.

A spokesman said the vision of the independent group was to ensure that the borough's taxpayers were kept fully and honestly informed about why and how their money was spent by the council.

Its mission was to ensure that decisions on how taxpayers' money was spent were transparent and provided best value for money for those ratepayers: “in effect, making members, officers and employees more accountable for their decisions.”

The spokesman added: “We intend to investigate major areas of concern that our members have. Where appropriate we will report our findings to the borough council, the National Audit Office and the European Commission.”

Examples of what the group was investigating and would report on included:

The responsibility that borough taxpayers now faced because of the council's decisions connected to Yarmouth Port Company.

The business case supporting investment in the outer harbour.

The committee, comprising Dennis Durrant, David Wilkinson, Charles Stenner, Steve Taylor, Kenneth Eke and John Cooper, says all interested Yarmouth area taxpayers are invited to attend their quarterly public meetings.

The date, time, venue and agenda can be obtained by emailing Mr Cooper or Mr Durrant at saveour

port@btinternet.com or call 01493 653721 or 600452.