“Some are More Open than Others”: Comparing the Impact of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 on Local and Central Government in the UK

Abstract

This article examines the impact of freedom of information (FOI) on English local government and compares it with UK central government. It asks whether FOI has increased transparency and accountability and improved decision-making, public understanding, participation or trust. It also looks at whether FOI has affected local leadership, service delivery and partnership work. FOI has not had a “transformative” impact on local government. Local authorities are more transparent, supported by new online disclosure reforms. FOI has also increased accountability but only increased public understanding in a small way. It has had no effect on decision-making except in particularly sensitive issues. It has not increased participation and has had no general impact upon trust. Core activities remain unaffected though private contractors’ information and media use cause concern. The variable openness of institutions depends on context, culture and political leadership. The diversity is also driven by requesters’ varying motivations.

Acknowledgements

This research was made possible by a grant from the Economic and Social Research Council: RES-062-23-1748

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ben Worthy

Ben Worthy is a lecturer in Politics at Birkbeck College, University of London. For five years he was Research Associate in Freedom of Information at the Constitution Unit, University College London. His research interests include Freedom of Information and Open Data.