Freedom of information may be changed

Published on 16/11/2012 01:56

The Scottish Government is considering extending Freedom of Information (FoI) access to apply to bodies set up by councils to run some local services.

At the moment, proposed changes to FoI laws do not include provisions to extend them to these arms-length external organisations.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs: “I am minded to bring forward an order to address the fact that out-
sourcing by local authorities has eroded the protection of 
Freedom of Information.”

The Deputy First Minister also pledged to look at whether the Queen and other senior royals should be given a blanket exemption from FoI legislation.