FOI reform

THE SCOTTISH government has announced plans to open up more organisations to public scrutiny under Freedom of Information legislation.

Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday the government wanted to see arm’s length bodies established by local authorities to provide cultural, sports and leisure services to come under FOI legislation from April next year.

She said: “It is important that bodies which spend taxpayers’ money are subject to scrutiny, including through Freedom of Information legislation.

“This new legislation, which is being laid in parliament today, will see us extend the scope of FOI coverage to more organisations, reflecting our commitment to continuously improve Scotland’s transparency.

The move was welcomed by Green MSP Alison Johnstone as previous plans to extend the reach of FOI legislation had been shelved.

She said: “Public accountability has clearly been eroded in recent years with hundreds of private and arms-length organisations delivering public services.

“It’s often incredibly difficult or impossible to find out if they’re making best use of public resources.”