Latest news

Powers to deal with email shredding should be strengthened

The Information Commissioner’s powers to prosecute authorities or officials who destroy information to prevent its release under the Freedom of Information Act should be strengthened, according to the Campaign for Freedom of Information.

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Effect of NHS reforms on FOI rights

The Campaign for Freedom of Information has written to the Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, expressing concern that the public’s rights to information about the NHS are likely to be “increasingly constricted” by the reforms in the Health and Social Care Bill.
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FOI rights likely to be “significantly curtailed” by NHS reforms

The public’s rights to information about the NHS are likely to be “increasingly constricted” as a result of the NHS reforms, according to the Campaign for Freedom of Information.

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Campaign responds to debate about tobacco company’s use of FOI

The freedom of information request made by the tobacco company Philip Morris to the University of Stirling for information relating to a survey on the smoking habits of teenagers has received a great deal of media attention. It has been extensively covered by The Independent and was discussed on a number of radio shows last week.
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Public Accounts Committee: FOI Act should be extended to private companies providing public services

The House of Commons’ Public Accounts Committee has called on the Government to extend the Freedom of Information Act to public companies providing public services. In a report examining the lessons from the private finance initiative and other projects, the Committee states:
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Petition against Government refusal to release Hillsborough files

In April 2009 the BBC made a freedom of information request to the Cabinet Office asking for documents relating to the Hillsborough disaster when 96 Liverpool fans were killed in a crush at the Sheffield stadium in 1989. The BBC asked for copies of all briefings and other information provided to Margaret Thatcher in April 1989 relating to the Hillsborough disaster. The request also asked for copies of minutes and any other records of meetings attended by Margaret Thatcher during the same month at which the disaster was discussed.
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FOI Disclosure Stories August 2011

Papers reveal fears over ports’ millions proposal – News Letter 16/08/111
Stormont minister Danny Kennedy was warned that moves to take funds from Belfast port could be challenged in the courts. The concerns were contained in briefing papers which were requested by the News Letter under the Freedom of Information Act. The Department for Regional Development intended to black out large chunks of the documents but actually highlighted the areas which it wanted to hide.
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One Hundred Years of Secrecy – BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 will broadcast the first in a series on ‘Secret Britain’ on Tuesday 16 August at 9.00 am.
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Equality and Human Rights Commission says information privacy laws flawed

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is today publishing a report that shows current privacy law is failing to stop breaches of personal data privacy and is not keeping pace with the rapid growth in personal data collection.
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Football Supporters’ Federation calls for sports’ governing bodies to covered by FOI

10 Aug 2011
FansNetwork/The Ugly Inside

The FSF believes that football’s governing bodies should be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FoI). Sport’s governing bodies should be held accountable in the same manner as government departments, local councils, and civil servants.

Currently organisations like the Football Association (FA) are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act as are other sporting bodies such as the English Cricket Board, British Cycling Federation, and British Olympic Association (BOA).

The FSF argues that sports governing bodies should not enjoy the same privileges as private companies. Governance of sport is a matter of great public interest because of the huge amounts of public money spent on sport and sporting events.

Full story here.