Out-Law News 2 min. read
13 Jul 2005, 3:26 pm
Richard Thomas said he was impressed by a spirit of greater openness in the culture of government at all levels. "Secrecy without good reason is no longer an option," he said. "The Freedom of Information Act is clearly making an impact and I am encouraged that it is being taken very seriously by most public authorities."
The Information Commissioner's Office is the UK’s independent public body for promoting access to official information and protecting personal information. It also handles complaints. It has received 1,157 FOI complaints since the Act came into force. Of these, 224 cases have been closed, mainly informally, but 19 formal Decision Notices have been issued.
Mr Thomas's Office published today's list of tips having recognised that many of the complaints received to date involve procedural issues. This, it says, suggests that some public authorities are still not sufficiently clear about their obligations under the Act.
The tips encourage authorities to disclose information wherever possible and use publication schemes proactively. They remind public bodies that they must meet the 20 day deadline and to be extremely clear when issuing refusal notices. Above all, the Act should be seen positively: members of the public have a right to know what is done in their name and how their money is spent. Greater transparency is good for the public and for democracy.
Richard Thomas added: “Many significant disclosures, on a very wide range of issues, have been achieved and the majority of refusals appear to be unchallenged. As we tackle the complaints referred to us, our approach is to be independent, robust, responsible, and – where appropriate – to balance competing public interest considerations.”