‘It's the tip of the iceberg’: the hidden tensions between theory, policy and practice in the management of Freedom of Information in English local government bodies—evidence from a regional study

Abstract

On its introduction, the UK's Freedom of Information Act 2000 was heralded as signalling a new relationship between government and citizens. This article reflects on the role of FOI within approaches to information governance among local government bodies. Although FOI was acknowledged by research participants as being just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ set against broader information governance efforts, this article suggests that the UK is some way from a vibrant information commons.

Keywords:

• Freedom of Information (FOI)
• information governance
• information management
• local governance
• transparency

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of Mike Martin, Danny Budzak and Suzana Janackova to the research underpinning this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Paul Richter

Paul Richter is a lecturer in the Centre for Knowledge, Innovation, Technology and Enterprise (KITE), Newcastle University Business School, UK

Rob Wilson

Rob Wilson is a senior lecturer at Newcastle University Business School and the director of the Centre for Knowledge, Innovation, Technology and Enterprise (KITE), Newcastle University Business School, Newcastle University Business School, UK.