So far, so good…now tell us more - Scotsman.com News

Wednesday, 10th December 2008

So far, so good…now tell us more

 
 

Published Date: 10 December 2008

By Michael Howie

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A NEW era of openness in public life was heralded when the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act came into force in January 2005.

 
 

Since then, Scotland's citizens have had the statutory right to access all information held by public authorities.

 
 

It has taken time for local authorities, hospitals, prisons and other public services to adjust to the new regime, but most observers say there is no doubt it has made the business of government – with a small "g" at least – more transparent.

 
 

But there are some signs the public is beginning to see a rolling-back of this openness.

 
 

A survey published today shows the number of people who believe public authorities are becoming more accountable and open has fallen to 59 per cent from 64 per cent last year.

 
 

Some authorities are reporting a drop in Freedom of Information (FoI) requests. Take Scotland's police forces. Last year, they handled more than 3,100 requests for information under the act – a drop of 12 per cent on the previous year.

 
 

There is also frustration at the number of services which are able to remain shrouded in secrecy – because the bodies that provide them are exempt from the legislation.

 
 

 
 

Full Article: <http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/So-far-so-goodnow-tell.4777199.jp>