The Scottish Public Law Group held its Autumn Seminar on Thursday 18 September 2008 at the Scottish Government’s premises at Victoria Quay, Edinburgh. This was a particularly appropriate time to review the experiences and practice of how FoI is operating in Scotland and beyond as we approach the 4th anniversary of the commencement of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and following the recent House of Lords decision of Common Services Agency v. Scottish Information Commissioner ([2008] UKHL 47). The event was chaired by Ros McInnes (Solicitor, BBC Scotland) and guests were treated to presentations from Maurice Frankel (Director of the Campaign for Freedom of Information), Alicia McKay (FoI Unit, Scottish Government) and Margaret Keyse (Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner). The interesting and well informed discussion covered various topics including:
- Has it lived up to the expectations of campaigners for FoI?
- What have been the main areas of contention leading to appeals to the Information Commissioners and what lessons can be learnt from them?
- How have public authorities responded to the new FoI regime in the way in which they go about their business?
- What is the future for FoI – has it worked or is there a need for change?
Powerpoint presentations of Alicia McKay and Margaret Keyse are available in the Members’ section. The SPLG wishes to extend its thanks to the Scottish Government for hosting the event. Details of the SPLG Winter event will be announced shortly.
