Are MPs covered by FOI?
MPs are not classed as public authorities under the FOI Act. For this reason, MPs are not subject to FOI and they are not obliged to answer requests for information.
Which MP claimed expenses for a duck house?
Duck island incident On 21 May 2009, The Daily Telegraph reported on Viggers’ claims as part of its investigation of MPs’ expenses, which it said showed Viggers was paid more than £30,000 for gardening expenses over three years.
Is information held FOI?
Information is held for FOIA purposes if it is held by the public authority to any extent for its own purposes. When information is held by another person on behalf of a public authority, the information is held by the public authority for FOIA purposes.
What is freedom of information bill?
The proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) Act aims to mandate the disclosure of public documents. The proposed bill also outlines the exceptions for public disclosure and the procedures for accessing public documents.
What is Freedom of Information FOI request?
Freedom of information (FOI) gives you the right to ask any public sector organisation for information they hold. Anyone can request information. You can also ask for information about yourself under data protection legislation.
Why is freedom of information bill important?
Greater access to information will, in general, empower citizens to hold their public officials accountable and to participate in government processes that are being opened to them by this administration.
Will a floating duck house protect ducks?
The shelter will help protect ducks from predators as well as keeping them warm in cold winters. Ducks will sleep in their duck house as well.
What am I entitled to under the Freedom of Information Act?
Under the Freedom of Information Act and the Environmental Information Regulations you have a right to request any recorded information held by a public authority, such as a government department, local council or state school. You can ask for any information you think a public authority may hold.
Why was there a freedom of Information request for MPs expenses?
A February 2008 Freedom of Information Act request for the release of details of MPs’ expenses claims was allowed by an Information Tribunal but challenged by The House of Commons Authorities on the grounds that it was ‘unlawfully intrusive’. In May 2008 the High Court (England and Wales) ruled in favour of releasing the information.
How many MPs were involved in the expenses scandal?
In February 2008, after referral to an Information Tribunal, it was held that Commons authorities would release information on 14 MPs. This decision was subsequently appealed against, delaying the release of information.
When was full disclosure of MPs expenses made?
The proposals were ultimately dropped on 21 January 2009. The Commons authorities announced that full disclosure of all MPs’ expenses would be published on 1 July 2009. Ultimately the media disclosure made the legal appeal moot; the appeal was finally heard at the High Court, which ruled on 16 May 2008 in favour of releasing the information.
Can a Member of Parliament claim expenses in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, MPs can claim expenses, including the cost of accommodation, ‘wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred for the performance of a Member’s parliamentary duties’. In January 2005 the Freedom of Information Act 2000 came into force, allowing members of the public to request disclosure of information from public bodies.