Although I am aware of the Public Sector Information regulations, I do have
a query about whether or not public authorities are actually 'required to
make information available for re-use.'
Reading the guidance on the Regulations, I understand it to mean that we
are obliged to comply with the regulations, only if we do allow 're-use' of
our information.
However I am not sure where the power comes from to compel public sector
bodies to actually commit to this re-use.
The OPSI site has an explanatory note under the section on PSI Regulations-
consultation that states that: "In summary, there is no obligation in the
Regulations for a public sector body to permit re-use of documents held by
it but, if it does, it must comply with the terms of the Regulations."
I'd be interested to hear others interpretation of this as it is different
from the interpretation by Public Sector Forums that Trish quotes from that
states, "Public sector bodies will be required to make information
available for re-use."
Could it be the difference between public authorities having to do this or
not?
Regards
Caroline Ives
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