For info:
Below press release announcing consultation on implementation of Freedom of
Information Act 2000 in England.
Alex Hunt
Research and Conservation Officer
Council for British Archaeology
Tel: 01904 671417
Fax: 0904 671384
Web: http://www.britarch.ac.uk
____________________________
ODPM Press Release No. 064
2 September 2002
RAYNSFORD INVITES VIEWS ON ACCESS TO INFORMATION
Local Government Minister, Nick Raynsford, today published a public
consultation inviting user-groups, councils and other key
stakeholders for views on the implementation of the Freedom of Information
Act 2000 in local government, legislation which provides
the public with a general right of access to information held by public
authorities, including local authorities.
The policy paper "Access to Information in Local Government, A policy paper
on the current and future framework governing access to
information for Local Authorities in England", is an opportunity to
stimulate a wide range of views from stakeholders by 2 December,
2002.
The paper invites views on how the Act can be implemented most effectively
in local government. It looks at how the Act will affect
current practice, and what the practical implications are for local
authorities. It also seeks examples of best practice and looks at
issues authorities now face.
Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford said:
"Today's announcement fulfils part of a commitment made to Parliament. Our
aim is to ensure that accountability and transparency
are at the heart of modern and effective local authorities. Access to
information is essential to maintain and reinforce such a culture of
openness. This consultation is a further important step in helping councils
to deliver that culture of openness."
A key milestone for local authorities under the act is the requirement by
next February to publish a Publication Scheme - a
guide to the information the authority publishes or intends to publish. All
local authorities are required to submit this to the
Information Commissioner by the end of the year.
All local authorities and key stakeholders, including the Local Government
Association and the Campaign for Freedom of Information
will receive the policy paper.
Notes to editors
1. Copies of the policy paper will be available on the ODPM website at
www.local-regions.odpm.gov.uk/consult/review/index.htm and also
from: ODPM free literature, PO Box 236, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23 7NB.
Tel: 0870 1226 236, fax: 0870 1226 237 or email:
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2. In a written PQ answer on 23 July (73109), Nick Raynsford stated that:
"The implementation plan which we issued, following the
publication of the 2001 White Paper "Strong Local Leadership - Quality
Public Services" indicated that we would be reviewing the
local authority access to information regime from June 2002. Officials have
now begun discussions with the Information
Commissioner, the Local Government Association and others to identify key
issues for analysis in the review. We intend as the next step, to publish
during the summer a policy paper to examine the key issues involved,
including the future implications for the local government sector of the
requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000..."
The full text of the PQ can be found in Hansard, 23 July 2002 Columns 999W
and 1000W.
3. The commitment to review the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements)
(Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, was
made by Lord Whitty during the debate on the regulations in the House of
Lords on 8 February 2001.
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 4400
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Website: http://www.odpm.gov.uk
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