Overview

The Freedom of Information (Extension) Bill aims to expand the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. It will make more organizations subject to the Act and grant the Information Commissioner greater powers to access information held by contractors working for public bodies.

Description

This bill significantly extends the reach of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Key changes include:

• New Public Authorities: Several organizations are now classified as public authorities under the Act, including social housing providers (excluding local authorities), local safeguarding children boards, electoral registration officers, returning officers, and the Housing Ombudsman. This means they must disclose information upon request, subject to exemptions.
• Contractor Information: Information held by contractors working on behalf of public authorities is now subject to the Act. This includes information held by sub-contractors and other individuals working for these contractors. The bill explicitly states that any contract with a public authority should include a provision for the disclosure of relevant information.
• Enhanced Commissioner Powers: The Information Commissioner gains expanded powers of entry and inspection for obtaining information from contractors who hold it on behalf of a public authority. They can issue information notices and obtain warrants just as they can from public authorities themselves.
• Strengthened Offence Provision: The bill strengthens the offence of deliberately altering or destroying information to prevent its disclosure. The revised section applies not only to public authorities and their employees, but also to contractors and individuals working for them.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred under or by virtue of the Act, and any increase in sums payable under other acts, will be met from money provided by Parliament. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Social Housing Providers: Will be subject to Freedom of Information requests, potentially increasing administrative burden.
• Local Safeguarding Children Boards: Increased transparency through FOI requests.
• Electoral Registration Officers and Returning Officers: Increased transparency around electoral processes through FOI requests.
• The Housing Ombudsman: Increased transparency into their investigations and decisions.
• Contractors of Public Authorities: Will be subject to FOI requests and the Information Commissioner's inspection powers. They may face increased administrative costs and potential legal challenges.
• The Public: Will have increased access to information held by a wider range of organizations and contractors.
• The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO): Increased workload due to the expanded scope of their powers and responsibilities.

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