‘It’s public knowledge’ Freedom of Information and the Media

‘It’s public knowledge’Freedom of Information and the Media

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

1 General Entitlement

(1) A person who requests information from a Scottish public authority which holds it is entitled to be given it by the authority.

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

1 General Entitlement

(1) A person who requests information from a Scottish public authority which holds it is entitled to be given it by the authority.

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

1 General Entitlement

(1) A person who requests information from a Scottish public authority which holds it is entitled to be given it by the authority.

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

1 General Entitlement

(1) A person who requests information from a Scottish public authority which holds it is entitled to be given it by the authority.

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

1 General Entitlement

(1) A person who requests information from a Scottish public authority which holds it is entitled to be given it by the authority.

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

1 General Entitlement

(1) A person who requests information from a Scottish public authority which holds it is entitled to be given it by the authority.

Reasons for Refusal

Information is not heldCost is excessiveVexatious or repeatedExemption applies

Tips for success

Recorded informationAngling not trawlingProvide a time periodReview decisionsKeep copiesRefer to the Act?Pick up the phone

Appealing to the Commissioner – The 3 step process

1. ASK Request the information

2. ASK AGAIN Request that the authority

reviews its decision

3. APPEAL Appeal to the Commissioner

FOISA and the media

Public authorities report large number of FOI requests from journalists;

Increasing number of appeals to Commissioner are from the media;

Most media FOI requests never come to us on appeal.

Making a difference

2007 headlines*

1912 murder notes to be

made public

Police told to release sex case figures

Secrets of £2.1 billion hospital PFI deal to be revealed

Papers reveal why Stein not honoured

P&J wins battle to reveal national reserve payouts

Watchdog orders

NHS to release Hepatitis C

figuresCampaign group to see

key bypass documents

Information appeals double the English rate

*Headlines from Scottish press during 2007

Resources for journalists

Website - area dedicated to media resourcesDownload libraries – images, audio/video clips, logosDecision databaseNews feeds –decisions, publications and news Exemption briefings and guidance Bi-monthly newsletterAnnual Report – facts and figures 3-step guide to requesting information

Paul Mutch & Sue Gray

www.itspublicknowledge.info

01334 464610

@ [email protected]

Further information