header-logo header-logo

Freedom of information extension limited

31 July 2009
Issue: 7380 / Categories: Legal News , Freedom of Information , Other practice areas
printer mail-detail

Housing associations, independent schools and other charities are to be excluded from the extension of the freedom of information regime.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) had been expected to add these organisations to the list of public authorities covered directly by the Freedom of Information Act 2000, following a consultation a year ago.

However, it announced this month that they would be excluded, on the basis the burden imposed on them would outweigh the benefits. Tom Morrison, associate at Rollits, says: “There has been a growing feeling among public authorities—and some MPs—that the public’s right of access to information is becoming increasingly inconvenient. Entire administrative structures have had to be put in place solely to deal with information requests since the Act came into force in 2005.”

According to the MoJ, 21% of “resolvable” requests for information under the FOIA were withheld in 2008, compared with 18% in 2005 when the Act came into force.
 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
The Court of Protection has ruled in Macpherson v Sunderland City Council that capacity must be presumed unless clearly rebutted. In this week's NLJ, Sam Karim KC and Sophie Hurst of Kings Chambers dissect the judgment and set out practical guidance for advisers faced with issues relating to retrospective capacity and/or assessments without an examination
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
back-to-top-scroll