FOI and academic research

An article by Steve Wood, the founder of this blog, in the Guardian's Education section, warns that the proposed changes to the FOI Act could restrict the work of researchers:

"The concern is that an important method of gathering information from public bodies, which can enhance academic research, will be rendered ineffective. This is very early into the life of FOI, and just as academics are starting to realise its potential. Concerned academics and researchers should make submissions detailing their worries to the Department of Constitutional Affairs."

The article contains some good examples of academics' use of the Act. It's on Guardian's website.