Before You Ask - Monitoring of the Model Publication Scheme

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has announced it is proactively monitoring the websites of public bodies to ensure the model publication scheme operational since 1 January 2009 is being adhered to in its entirety.

In the first instance, if areas of non-compliance are discovered, the ICO will contact the authority in question and work towards an informal resolution. Where there is serious or repeated non-compliance, formal enforcement action will be taken.

What do public authorities need to do?

1. Ensure you have adopt the new model scheme;
2. Identify the information you should make available;
3. Produce a guide to information;
4. Make sure the information will be made available;
5. Agree procedures for maintaining and reviewing your guide; and

6. Publicise the scheme.

Assistant Information Commissioner, Gerrard Tracey has stated:

"The vast majority of public authorities take their freedom of information responsibilities seriously and this new approach will support those who do. Unfortunately some do not, and in cases of systemic non-compliance we will use the powers available to us, which include enforcement action, to insist on adherence to the requirements of the Act."