Consultation launched on Freedom of Information Bill

THE Council of Ministers is today (Monday 12 July 2010) launching a further round of consultation on draft legislation to give the public a legal right of access to Government information.

The Freedom of Information Bill strengthens the public’s rights by putting the principles of the current Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, in place since 1996, on to a statutory basis. The proposed Bill applies to local authorities as well as to Government (presently the Code of Practice only applies to the latter) and includes a range of exemptions in line with the FOI legislation in the United Kingdom.

Chief Minister Tony Brown MHK commented:

‘The Council of Ministers continues to be committed to progressing this important legislation, and supports the principles of openness, integrity and accountability as fundamental to the work of Government, local government and Tynwald. ‘I would urge anyone interested in this issue to engage with this consultation and submit their views. This legislation is deemed important by the Council of Ministers who have been progressing the proposal through extensive public consultation. We intend to progress the Bill into the House of Keys as soon as possible after this latest consultation period has concluded, and would hope to have it introduced into the House of Keys at the latest by the end of this year.’

The Council of Ministers welcomes views on the Consultation Document which can be accessed by clicking this link or can be emailed on request by contacting Jeanette.Williams@gov.im or by telephone on 01624 685704. To access the consultation questionnaire click here

Copies are also available from the Tynwald Library, Legislative Buildings, Finch Road, Douglas. Views should be sent by e-mail to Jeanette.Williams@gov.im or by post to Jeanette Williams, Head of Council of Ministers Administration, Council of Ministers Division, Chief Secretary’s Office, Government Offices, Douglas, Isle of Man. The deadline for the receipt of views is 5pm, Friday, September 10, 2010.