Disruptive, Dynamic and Democratic? Ten Years of Freedom of Information in the UK

Parliamentary Affairs, Forthcoming

19 Pages Posted: 28 Dec 2015

See all articles by Ben Worthy

Ben Worthy

University of London - Birkbeck College

Robert Hazell

University of London

Date Written: December 28, 2015

Abstract

The UK’s FOI Act came into force in 2005. Three linked research projects were conducted to evaluate its overall impact, and assess to what extent FOI has met its objectives across central and local government and parliament. They conclude that FOI has met its ‘core’ objectives, making central government more transparent and accountable. However, it has not improved decision-making, public understanding, participation or trust. Nor has FOI significantly changed how government works, despite politicians’ fears of a chilling effect. The article concludes with a look at key issues that will shape the future of FOI.

Keywords: evaluation; freedom of information; impact on Whitehall; impact on local government; policy objectives; successes and failures

Suggested Citation

Worthy, Ben and Hazell, Robert, Disruptive, Dynamic and Democratic? Ten Years of Freedom of Information in the UK (December 28, 2015). Parliamentary Affairs, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2708768

Ben Worthy (Contact Author)

University of London - Birkbeck College ( email )

Malet Street
London, WC1E 7HX
United Kingdom

Robert Hazell

University of London

Senate House
Malet Street
London, WC1E 7HU
United Kingdom

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