Councils have been asked to respond to proposals for improving Freedom of Information laws.
The Information Commissioner’s Office wants local authorities to give their views by 8 March on its first draft strategy, Openness by Design, which sets out the regulator’s approach to access to information laws for the next three years.
Its main priorities include work in partnership to improve standards of openness, transparency and participation among public authorities in a digital age and providing 'excellent customer service to members of the public and public authorities'.
It wants to raise awareness of access to information rights and make it easier for the public to use the system.
Gill Bull, director of FOI complaints and compliance, said: 'Freedom of Information is an integral part of our democracy and it is imperative that the legislation remains fit for purpose.
'We’ve launched this strategy consultation as we want to hear from those who deal with the legislation on a daily basis and can help inform and revise our approach for the next three years.'
The document can be read online at ico.org.uk/FOIstrategy.
