The Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland (CFOIS) expressed its support for Katy Clark MSP’s Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill, which proposes the a duty to proactively publish information, ensure consistency in the 20-working day response time for information requests, strengthen the enforcement powers of the Scottish Information Commissioner and require the appointment of an FOI officer. 

As the bill fixes a legal loophole, it will increase the number of publicly owned companies so designated as soon as it receives royal assent. Those wholly owned by Scottish ministers and other Scottish public authorities will be covered too and, though the exact number is secret, CFOIS speculates it will be around 99.

Carole Ewart, director of CFOIS, said: “We are delighted the bill will be considered by MSPs and hope it achieves all party support to ensure the architecture of transparency, accountability and scrutiny so carefully constructed 23 years ago is restored and strengthened to improve FOI practice, meet the challenges of public service diversification and the digital age.”