Synopses & Reviews
Based on interviews with officials, requesters and journalists, as well as a survey of FOI requesters and a study of stories in the national media, this book offers a unique insight into how the Freedom of Information Act 2000 really works.
About the Author
ROBERT HAZELL is Founder and Director of the Constitution Unit at University College London, UK.
BEN WORTHY is Research Associate in Freedom of Information and Data Protection at the Constitution Unit at University College London, UK.
MARK GLOVER was Research Assistant in Freedom of Information at the Constitution Unit, University College, UK, between 2006 and 2009.
Table of Contents
PART I: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION IN THEORY
Introduction
What are the Objectives of FOI?
Whitehall and Freedom of Information
Assessing the Impact of FOI in Britain
PART II: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION IN PRACTICE
How FOI Works
Has FOI Led to more Transparent Government?
The Culture of Secrecy
Has FOI Increased Government Accountability?
Civil Service Neutrality
Ministerial Accountability
Effective Government and the Quality of Decision-making
The Cabinet System of Government
Has FOI Increased Public Understanding of Government Decision-making?
Has FOI Led to Increased Trust in Government?
Has FOI Led to Increased Participation in the Political Process?
Has FOI Met its Objectives?
Conclusion
Appendices
Appendix 1: How Does the UK FOI Perform against Legislation in Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand?
Appendix 2: The Requester
Appendix 3: Ladder of Openness and Participation
Appendix 4: Methods
Bibliography