The Freedom of Information Act is under attack. What brought us the MPs’ expenses scandal and which has exposed public waste and bad decisions is now the focus of ill formed comment and criticism. Lord O’Donnell, Tony Blair and even David Cameron have all expressed regret and misgivings about FOI. This is all part of a move towards weakening FOI.
The current Post-Legislative Scrutiny will be used to undermine the principles of openness and transparency. Moving from qualified exemptions to absolute ones, introducing charges and reducing the costs limit are all being suggested. This will significantly weaken the Act and the publics’ right to know.
This is a dangerous moment for FOI. With the focus on austerity, and the media being busy in dealing with its own problems, it is time for all those who value democracy to voice their concerns and support the campaign to save FOI.
Act Now and let’s save FOI from Government meddling:
Read the Save FOI Blog: http://savefoi2012.wordpress.com/
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SaveFOI
Subscribe to the Twitter Paper: http://paper.li/ActNowTraining/1329331226
Sign the e-petition: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/29757