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Freedom of Information in danger of ‘sliding into obsolescence’, new report finds

Exclusive: New report from transparency charity calls for FOI overhaul, with new regulatory powers given to Parliament

By Jenna Corderoy
Freedom of Information in danger of ‘sliding into obsolescence’, new report finds
Michael Gove's Cabinet Office has been accused of running an 'Orwellian' unit to vet FOI requests | REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo
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The Freedom of Information Act risks “sliding into obsolescence” without urgent reforms, according to a new report seen by openDemocracy.

A report published by transparency charity mySociety on Wednesday recommends sweeping changes to the regulation of Freedom of Information (FOI), and calls for FOI legislation to be extended to private providers of public services.

The British government’s handling of FOI has been heavily criticised. Last year openDemocracy revealed that an ‘Orwellian’ Cabinet Office ‘Clearing House’ unit was vetting information requests.

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