Information gets easier to access (From Warrington Guardian)

Information gets easier to access

THIS year promises more openness in local government as the Freedom of Information Act comes into force.

The new law places an obligation on public authorities to disclose recorded information, either proactively through a publication scheme, or following a request for details.

Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council's cabinet member for civic affairs Maureen Campbell said: "This is a significant piece of legislation that places, for the first time in history, a duty on public authorities to divulge information held within our files that may have in the past not been made available to the public.

"We will still be bound to keep some information private.

"For instance if we have information that has been provided in confidence it will not be appropriate to release details that would constitute an actionable breach of confidence.

"However, we are now obliged to consider each request for information we receive on a case by case basis.

"This may involve weighing up the public interest in openness against the public interest in protecting commercial and private confidentiality.

"Until we receive freedom of information requests it is not possible for us to state categorically that particular information is exempt from disclosure."

The council has created a publication scheme, available through its website at www.crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

The council's contact officer Louise Musa said "The scheme shows where information currently in the public domain can be located.