Brown launches review of Freedom of Information Act October 25, 2007
Posted by rosieniven in Freedom of Information.Tags: Freedom of Information, journalism
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…But thankfully it sounds like it might work in the media’s favour and appears to remove the threat of restrictions on the right to Freedom of Information.
This move would see a panel look at whether we should extend freedom of information to government documents that are covered by the 30 year rule. Currently, it is easier to get hold of recent documents than older ones, which are protected for 30 years after publication.
The panel will look at extending Freedom of Information to private firms. There are also plans to axe charges for freedom of information that were proposed earlier this year. While, it’s no means certain that any of these changes will be adopted, it seems to suggest that the restrictions proposed earlier this year will be abandoned.
For more information about the proposals see the Ministry of Justice’s website.
The future of the union: discuss June 12, 2007
Posted by rosieniven in ADM, Freedom of Information, NUJ, convergence.1 comment so far
I thought it would be interesting to find out what others think about union policy. Please let me know your views by answering three questions:
1. What do you think is the big issue for the union this year?
2. What one union campaign would you like to see this year?
3. If you could suggest one motion for ADM that would improve things in your workplace what would it be?
Hands off the Freedom of Information Act! June 6, 2007
Posted by rosieniven in Freedom of Information.add a comment
Since the introduction of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act on 1 January 2005, UK citizens have had unprecedented access to government documents that are unlikely to have seen the light of day otherwise.
But last year two threats to FOI emerged. Despite overwhelming evidence of the value of FOI, the government has launched a drive to water it down. Last October the government announced proposals to make it easier for public authorities to refuse FOI requests on cost grounds. These proposals would severely restrict the amount of information that could be obtained under the act.
News round up: next meeting and FOI June 3, 2007
Posted by rosieniven in Freedom of Information, NUJ, meeting.add a comment
This month’s London magazine branch will be the annual general meeting, which is when we will elect new branch officials. We’ll be electing a chair, vice-chair, treasurer, plus welfare, equality, recruitment, health & safety and communications officer and an editor for Maglite. Any member can stand for election for any of these post. If you want to influence branch policy, this is a good way to go about doing it! The meeting is at 6.30pm on Monday 11 June at Headland House.
