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How prepared is central government for the Freedom of Information Act?

The Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, has today published the findings of a survey into how prepared central government departments are for the full implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in January 2005.

The survey of all 17 central government departments, found that:

• All departments have placed their publication schemes on their websites
• All departments reported existing and/or planned FOI training to raise awareness and provide guidance for staff
• The majority of departments have established cross departmental groups to manage FOI implementation
• Most departments indicated that board level responsibility had been taken for implementation of the Act

The survey was carried out by means of a questionnaire completed in September of 2003.

Richard Thomas said, "The picture is a positive one. Departments have clearly made a good start with their preparations for the receipt of requests under the Act. At the same time there is a long way to go if departments are to make the most of the opportunity which FOI offers them to recapture and retain the trust of the public in what they do. FOI is a very important first step in shifting from excessive secrecy to a 'Right to Know' culture. Overall, I am encouraged by the steps that have been taken so far."

Despite the positive progress that has been made, Mr Thomas noted that few departments have yet attempted to publicise the information which will be made available under their publication schemes. He also expressed surprise that the report indicated that most departments did not expect their relations with the media to change once journalists have the right to request information under the Act.

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