1. FOI in Central Government – where we have come from and where we are going Jane Sigley Head of FOI Policy & Strategy Information Directorate Building our knowledge and information capability

2. A brief history of FOI -- 1974Longstanding Labour manifesto commitment. -- 1978A major attempt to introduce FoI legislation in the form of a member’s bill. The bill had considerable Parliamentary support but did not proceed when the 1979 general election was called. -- 1984The Data Protection Act was passed, giving individuals the right to see information held about themselves. -- 1996A parliamentary report on ‘Open Government’ was published and recommended the introduction of a Freedom of Information Act. -- 2000 The Freedom of Information Act 2000 received Royal Assent. -- 2005 The Freedom of Information Act came into force.

3. Some statistics – Central Government

4. Role of DCA/MoJ Clearing House -Established Sept 04 - First 2 months FOI – received over 1200 referrals from departments (7% of all requests) - Developed something of Machiavellian reputation “Concern is growing that the unit is bent on blocking as many requests for information as it can” The Times September 05 - Summer 2007 – Transformation Programme - March 2009 – new Toolkit published - In casework terms, emphasis now on limited range of high profile, complex cases and providing expertise for departments involved in litigation - Better FOI

5. ICO, Tribunal and beyond 2005 – first ICO and Tribunal decisions 2008 – first High Court decision (OGC Gateway reviews) first Court of Appeal decision (BUAV) 2009 - use of section 53 veto

6. Updating and Amending legislation 2008 - Section 4 Order – keeping the Act up to date 2006/07 – Review of FOI fees regulations 2007-2009 – Section 5 consultation and response 2009 – Section 10(4) Order for NI schools

7. Dacre Review --October 2007 – PM delivered Liberty speech – more to do to develop more open government - Announced no change on fees, section 5 consultation and review of 30 year Rule - Dacre Review – published findings Jan 09, recommending reduction to 15 years - June 09 – PM announces reduction to 20 years, but enhanced protection for some information. Publication of full Gvt response “late summer”

8. Publication Schemes - Publication Schemes always been promoted across departments but not widely updated post orginal implementation. - Jan 09 – Change to Publication Scheme requirements – model publication scheme - ICO has conducted review of Central Gvt and will publish results shortly

9. Future Challenges