Media Evidence needed on Freedom of Information Act

The Justice Select Committee is calling for evidence on the operation of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 by 3rd February 2012 - whether it works effectively, its strengths and weaknesss and whether it is operating in the way intended.

The MoJ’ s submission has said that the Government has little information about requesters’ experience. Thus evidence from journalists and media organisations on how the Act works and could be improved would be very helpful. 

As the Committee is responsible for post-legislative scrutiny of the Act, this could provide an opportunity for central government departments, local authorities and other public bodies to press for new restrictions on the Act, or increased charges, as well as media suggestions for improvement.

The Campaign for Freedom of Information is holding a briefing meeting on anyone considering giving evidence at 2pm on Wednesday 18 January - please contact the CFOI, admin@cfoi.demon.co.uk, if you would like to attend.

Campaign for Freedom of Information, 16 Baldwins Gardens, London EC1N 7RJ.