May I enter the debate on extending Freedom of Information (FoI) to private sector contractors? (Law change will raise costs for local council IT, www.computing.co.uk/2209584).

FoI was introduced with four main aims: openness, accountability, democracy, and inclusive access. Experience over the past three years shows the FoI Act has improved access to information for ordinary citizens.

Many private sector bodies already come under the scope of FoI. For example, public utilities delivered by privatised shareholder companies, such as gas, water or power; or local authority contractors providing waste, landfill, or road maintenance services.

Nearly all larger public  authorities have adopted the principle of consulting with commercial third parties where an information  request relates to their  business with the authority. Designating private sector providers as request handlers is just a logical step in this evolving bill of rights.

The new proposals may actually reduce bureaucracy. Currently, a request for  information about private sector work means consulting with the contractors. This creates additional  correspondence – when all parties are under pressure to meet the 20-day timeline

I challenge Socitm’s assertion that all organisations subject to FoI must have an employee dedicated to this work. Having worked with the legislation since 2001, I have never come across any obligation to have a single FoI expert. It is good practice, but only a few large councils have an FoI specialist.
Please do not knock FoI. It is improving understanding and trust in government processes. There is no
evidence it is reducing the quality of private sector IT services. This type of legal regime is a must in modern democracies and UK FoI is well crafted, well implemented and is here to stay.

Colin Tyc