Scrutiny launches public information review
A REVIEW of access to public information was launched officially yesterday by the Scrutiny Management Committee.
‘Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants, and that is why better access to official public information can help to improve public confidence and trust in government,’ said Scrutiny Management Committee president and review panel chairman Deputy Chris Green.
The review will look at the effectiveness of the existing code of practice on access to public information to determine whether it is still fit for purpose in helping to create a climate and culture of openness, accountability and good governance within the States and other public bodies.
Originally introduced in 2013 and modified slightly in 2017 by the Policy & Resources committee, Deputy Green said now was the appropriate time to review the whole operation of the code and determine whether enhanced legislation is necessary.
‘The first part of the review is a call for evidence.
‘We will ask for representations from all people who’ve had relevant experience of the access to public information system,’ Deputy Green explained.
This could include politicians, journalists, civil servants and members of the public who can provide reliable evidence.
‘We are conscious to not pre-judge the issue, we are just looking for an objective analysis of how good the existing code of practice is.’
Wrangling around the PWC reports on tourism, air links and sea links served as catalysts for the review.
‘The sea links report was never released on the grounds of commercial confidentiality,’ Deputy Green said.
‘We want to be able to determine whether the withholding of certain information is really justified.’
As part of the review, the committee will consider the current guidance, policies and procedures, undertake a critical analysis of requests to date, the case for or against enhanced legislation in support of the code, and right to appeal through an independent source.
‘There have been quite a few cases where information has not been released, or it has but only after some argy bargy, and at the end of the day people need to trust the government and transparency is a big part of that.’
n The review panel is made up of Deputy Chris Green, Advocate Peter Harwood and deputies Jennifer Merrett and Emilie Yerby. Submissions guidance and terms of reference in the review can be found at www.gov.gg/scrutiny.
The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday 26 July.
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