Transparency code for public authorities(draft)
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What is this page about?
Some of WhatDoTheyKnow.com's volunteers feel that the UK's Freedom of Information law is not enough to ensure real transparency. This is a draft of what a good practice might include.
Public authorities
- any body that is a public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 2000
- any body that receives the majority of its funding from public funds
- a company owned two thirds or more by public authorities
- bodies with substantial public responsibilities
Public domain
Public authorities should acknowledge that the content of their responses to FOI requests are in the public domain.
ie. they ought follow the example of Bedfordshire Police who have attached the following statement to FOI responses:
"I am required by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (The Act) to handle all requests in a manner that is blind to the identity of the requestor. Any information released in response to a request is regarded as being published, and therefore in the public domain without caveat."
Publication scheme
- Publication schemes ought be published on the organisation's website.
- As much information as possible should be made available, as a matter of routine, on the organisation's website.
- Public authorities without a publication scheme should respond to requests for details of the types of information they hold within 5 working days of a request being received.
