MSPs seek views on whether freedom of information could be improved

5th March 2019 | government-administration

A Holyrood Committee is looking for views from the public on the effectiveness of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.

The Scottish Parliament’s Public Audit & Post-Legislative Scrutiny Committee has launched a public consultation on the Act, following concerns about the scope of and compliance with the Act.

MSPs would like to hear views on these questions:

  1. In your view, what effects has the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) had, both positive and negative?
  2. Have the policy intentions of FOISA been met and are they being delivered? If not, please give reasons for your response.
  3. Are there any issues in relation to the implementation of and practice in relation to FOISA? If so, how should they be addressed?
  4. Could the legislation be strengthened or otherwise improved in any way? Please specify why and in what way.
  5. Are there any other issues you would like to raise in connection with the operation of FOISA?

Committee convener Jenny Marra MSP commented: “Our committee wants to hear a wide range of views on the Freedom of Information Act and whether it can be improved.

“We want to examine how FOI works in practice and if the Act can be modernised or improved to increase transparency in our public services.”

Click here to view the call for evidence. The deadline for written submissions is 5pm on Friday 10 May 2019.