Housing associations likely to come under FoI laws following U-turn

Scotland's Freedom of Information Act could be extended to cover housing associations following a change of heart by ministers, the Herald reports today.

After previously resisting the move, the Government is to consult on the extension which would give housing association tenants the same rights as those who let from local authorities.

The transfer of social housing stock to private associations has deprived many tenants of rights to information, a matter on which Information Commissioner Rosemary Agnew has campaigned for change along with tenants' groups.

Ministers will also confirm their decision shortly on proposals to extend the law to contractors running privately run prisons and secure accommodation for children, grant aided schools and independent special schools.