Katy Clark MSP’s Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill will deliver transparency by design, strengthen accountability and increase informed scrutiny across 10,000+ public bodies in Scotland. The Jimmy Reid Foundation supports legal reform too and has made a submission on the Bill (see below)
We conclude that “There are significant and evidenced problems in exercising the enforceable right to information in Scotland. In our experience, the position has deteriorated significantly in recent years. Poor practice, staffing shortages and deliberate avoidance are undermining this vital democratic safeguard. There is an urgent need to strengthen the legislation, and we urge MSPs to pass it before the next Scottish parliament elections.”
Our joint briefing on the Bill with the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland provides further information.