Another Hutton/FOI article

From The Times "The e-mail trail: The early release of documents adds to good government"

Why are we waiting?
Tim Luckhurst of the Indepedent newpaper (26th August ) discusses whether the Hutton enquiry is an insight into Government and what it tell us about the forthcominmg full implementation of the act.

UK FOIA: Model publication schemes for HE and FE

The HE and FE schemes will be availble on the Information Comissioner's website on Monday

A window on the mind of No 10 ?

An article by Maurice Frankel in today's Guardian comment section discusses the FOI issues related to the Hutton enquiry.

Hutton Enquiry and FOI

The Hutton enquiry into the death of Dr David Kelly has already seen the release of many documents that would not have seen the light of day under the FOIA if it was in force. The enquiry website states that the release of the documentary evidence at the end of the enquiry will be subject to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information - "Where documents cannot be made publicly available, or have to be edited, explanations will be given, in line with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information"

Many of the emails referred to are already available : e.g. Godric Smith

Work plans of UK Information Commissioner published

The work plans of the Information Commissioner's FO department for the period June 2003-January 2005.
It is primarily an internal document which we published in order to give pubic authorities and other interested in the act a clearer idea of the work the Commissioner is conducting in the run up to full implementation of the Act.

FOI Conference

The Constitution Unit and Capita are holding a conference for local government officers and members on 15 October 2003 in central London.

Speakers include:
Graham Smith, Deputy Information Commissioner
Paul Simpkins from the City of Bradford MDC who will explain how FOI fits with local government access legislation
Maurice Frankel will lead an interactive session on contracting and procurement
Mirza Ahmad, Chief Legal Officer at Birmingham City Council who will discuss making your publication scheme work for you

New Guardain FOI pages

The Guardian newspaper has added some useful pages on how to use Data Protection and FOI ( and current Code of practice). Includes sample requests and letters. Includes Mark Lobel's tests with various UK public institutions.

URL:http://politics.guardian.co.uk/foi/0,9054,442882,00.html