Government issues 3rd annual report on Freedom of Information

Posted on 1 Dec 2003 at 11:33

The newly-created Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) (formerly the Department for Freedom of Information) has published its 3rd Annual Progress Report on the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

The document details progress towards full implementation of the Act, which is due in January 2005. By then public authorities - which include government, local authorities and a wide range of quasi-governmental bodies - have to put details about their decision making into the public domain. The report details five areas where progress has been made.

The DCA says it held thirteen seminars throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland between March and September 2003 to raise awareness about the Freedom of Information Act. It says that a further publicity campaign is planned.

The department is bringing together what it calls 'specialist FoI practitioners' to solve common problems and develop best practices. At the same time, the DCA is researching the development of systems to help public bodies monitor and manage requests for information.

The DCA says it has brought another 40 bodies under the umbrella of the Act, and that it also intends to publish details on what private organisations may be covered under the Act.

Finally, the DCA also says it will issue a set of guidelines on how requests should be handled along with a a list of exemptions. It will also publish a Model Action Plan on FoI Implementation for use across the public sector before the New Year.

You can read the report on the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Author: Steve Malone

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