Issue 2
'The objective of the Act is to help open up public authorities and other organisations which carry out public functions. First, it will empower people, giving everyone a right of access to the information that they want to see. Secondly, it will place statutory duties on the bodies covered by the Act to make certain information available as a matter of course'.
Extract from 'Your Right to Know - The FOI White Paper'
This consultation paper proposes to create a more open and accountable government by establishing a statutory right for the public to access information held on them. This right will include information held by national and local government, nationalised industries, courts, schools, police authorities, public bodies and government departments.
The type of information covered by the Act will include things like personal tax, social security, and medical records; reasons for certain decisions; and other issues of public interest such as information about food safety, medical safety and pollution.
The FOI Act will also place a duty on public organisations to publish far more information than previously, such as how they are run, costs, targets and performances, as well as their complaints procedures.
The government will also be required to publish the facts which they have used to make policy decisions. They should also issue guidance for both the public and organisations on how the Act will affect them.
However, a couple of questions remain unanswered. For example, as the government makes little mention of alternative formats, the use of plain English or other languages, there is a question of how accessible the information will be for disabled people.
In addition, the proposed charge required for the retrieval of information might exclude certain groups from applying. More consideration should therefore be given to the charging policy, with an assurance that requests for information in foreign languages or other formats would not cost extra.
The right to access personal information held by public organisations will be extended in the Autumn by a new Data Protection Act. This legislation will attempt to further protect an individual's personal information from misuse by organisations, in either the public or private sector.
Hopefully, these proposals will result in a more open and accountable government and will be a positive step towards the creation of a more democratic society.
A free guide to the FOI plans can be obtained through the Charter Publications Hotline 0345 223242
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