The Impact of the Freedom of Information Act on Central Government in the UK: Does FOI Work? (Understanding Governance)

Based on interviews with officials, requesters and journalists, as well as a survey of FOI requesters and a study of stories in the national media, this book offers a unique insight into how the Freedom of Information Act 2000 really works. The UK Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 was passed with the intention of making government more transparent, accountable and effective. It has led to a number of high-profile stories, from MPs' expenses to Heathrow expansion and the Cabinet minutes on Iraq. The authors ask: has FOI worked? This book is the first systematic evaluation of FOI anywhere in the world. It evaluates the performance of the Act against its objectives, and its impact on Whitehall. The book draws upon evidence from interviews with officials, plus FOI requesters and journalists as well as stories in the national press. Each chapter draws on case studies to make particular points and bring the study to life. It also compares developments in the UK to those in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland Front Matter....Pages i-xxi Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Introduction: Why Evaluate the Impact of Freedom of Information, and How?....Pages 3-14 What Are the Objectives of Freedom of Information?....Pages 15-32 Whitehall and Freedom of Information....Pages 33-50 Assessing the Impact of Freedom of Information in Britain....Pages 51-60 Front Matter....Pages 61-61 How Freedom of Information Works....Pages 63-86 Has Freedom of Information Led to More Transparent Government?....Pages 87-104 The Culture of Secrecy....Pages 105-116 Has Freedom of Information Increased Government Accountability?....Pages 117-133 Civil Service Neutrality....Pages 134-147 Ministerial Accountability....Pages 148-160 Effective Government and the Quality of Decision-making....Pages 161-180 The Cabinet System of Government....Pages 181-199 Increased Public Understanding of Government Decision-making?....Pages 200-213 Has Freedom of Information Led to Increased Trust in Government?....Pages 214-229 Has Freedom of Information Led to Increased Participation in the Political Process?....Pages 230-243 Has Freedom of Information Met Its Objectives?....Pages 244-251 How Well Does Freedom of Information Work?....Pages 252-267 Back Matter....Pages 268-325