News In Focus
28 May 2008
Tougher action promised for FOI non-compliance
The Scottish Information Commissioner is to take tougher action against public authorities that persistently fail to comply with their freedom of information responsibilities.
Kevin Dunion’s new enforcement strategy, announced today, is intended to identify and address patterns of persistent failure such as not recognising freedom of information requests, not responding to requests within the required time, inadequate searches for information held and improperly calculating the costs of responding to requests.
Until now the commissioner has rectified specific failings through his decision notices. The enforcement strategy will be used to identify and take action against those authorities repeatedly found to be failing to comply with the law.
Mr Dunion said: “I want to identify any authorities which are persistently or seriously failing to comply. This enforcement strategy is intended to rectify any poor practice and to ensure that the public’s right to information is respected.”
The strategy can be downloaded at: www.itspublicknowledge.info/ScottishPublicAuthorities/ComplianceEnforcement.asp .