This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Countdown to Freedom of Information
19/11/2003
Public authorities were told today that the 'clock is
ticking' for the delivery of Freedom of Information in
Scotland.
Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services Tavish
Scott was speaking at a conference in Edinburgh today
attended by public authorities and organisations from
across Scotland. The conference was organised to discuss
what remains to be done in the run up to Freedom of
Information which will be implemented by 1 January 2005,
one year earlier than set out in the legislation.
Mr Scott said:
"While the Scottish Executive has set a challenging
timetable for implementation of Freedom of Information, we
want to ensure that all concerned with public service
understand what it is about and are clear on the
responsibilities it brings.
"Freedom of Information will need organisations to be
more efficient and more effective. It will require them to
improve the ways in which they manage information and to
introduce a heightened awareness amongst staff. More
importantly however, it challenges public bodies to make a
fundamental change of culture - to share power with the
people.
"In July, I wrote to all public authorities to underline
the importance of early action in preparing for Freedom of
Information and to encourage the implementation process
being led from the top of organisations. I believe both
these actions are key to a smooth transition.
"Culture shift is not something that we can expect to
happen overnight. This is clear from the experience of
other regimes such as Canada and Sweden - culture change
takes time and sustained effort.
"It is a tough challenge for our public authorities but
I am determined that Scotland should embrace the culture of
effective scrutiny and better public debate that will be
fed by the new rights to information contained in the
act.
"The Freedom of Information Act means Scotland joins
more than 50 nations across the world who are committed to
more open government. However we should look upon its
introduction as just one step towards open government - it
is important to recognise we are committed to this and that
it is a long term commitment."
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 received
its Royal Assent on 28 May 2002. The Act's provisions must
be brought into force by 31 December 2005.
The Scottish Ministers are required to lay an annual
report before the Scottish Parliament setting out their
proposals for implementation of the Act. Their first
report, laid in the Parliament on 28 May, set out a
timetable agreed with the Scottish Information Commissioner
for implementation of the Act.
Scottish Ministers are committed to timely and effective
implementation in advance of the backstop of 31 December
2005 provided in the Act.
All public authorities will be required to adopt a
publication scheme setting out the classes of information
they intend to make available and how people can access the
material. These publication schemes will require the
approval of the Scottish Information Commissioner.