The Blair Government’s long-promised Freedom of Information Act
finally came into force on January 1, four years after receiving the
royal assent.
For all its numerous exemptions and get-outs it enshrines in law for
the first time the public’s right to know. Obstructive press officers
and politicians until January 1 had to be just dismissed as a nuisance.
Now the tables may have been turned – obstructing a freedom of
information request is against the law.
FOI covers more than 100,000 public bodies and looks set to be a
potentially limitless source of stories.
But if journalists are to make the most of FOI they need to be least as
well briefed as the public officials they are dealing with.
Related
Tips on making the most of FOI
Content from our partners
Latest News on FOI
- Public authorities able to refuse costly FoI requests
- Scoops could be scuppered under FoI
- Health authority’s FoI test is branded a ‘dismal failure’
- Falconer pledges not to put a charge on information
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
