The Commissions final report was submitted to the government on 29 February 2016 and published on 1 March 2016. The Commissions Chairman, Lord Burns, also published a message.
The government published a written ministerial statement in response to the Commissions report.
I wanted to provide a short update on the work of the Independent Commission on Freedom of Information now that the call for evidence has closed.
The Commission was set up in July this year to review the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000. It is considering the balance between transparency, accountability and the need for sensitive information to be protected.
Im pleased to have received approximately 30,000 submissions of evidence from individuals, campaign groups, journalists and civil society organisations from all over the country. Given the large volume of evidence that we have received, it will take time to read and consider all of the submissions.
Furthermore, the Commission has also decided to invite some parties to provide oral evidence. This will take place in two sessions on the 20 and 25 January 2016. Our intention is to report as soon as possible after these sessions.
The Independent Commission on Freedom of Informations terms of reference require it to consider the implications for the Freedom of Information Act 2000 of the uncertainty around the Cabinet veto and the practical operation of the Act as it has developed over the last 10 years in respect of the deliberative space afforded to public authorities. The Commission is also interested in the balance between transparency and the burden of the Act on public authorities more generally.
