Building trust in government through openness, transparency, and accountability
Transparency and openness are key to identifying and reducing the risk of corruption in the UK. Yet they also play a broader function - by proactively publishing information on the workings of government, responding to requests for this information when they arise, and protecting those who raise concerns about wrong doing, those with power can build public trust, create a more inclusive democracy, and quickly identify problems before they escalate.
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act is a critical tool for providing this public accountability, but it needs strengthened. Reforms should be made to reduce the widespread delays that limit the effectiveness of the process, ensure proper sanctions are in place for authorities that evade the Act’s requirements, and subject all exemptions to a public interest test.
Inevitably, there will be times when transparency measures fail or fall short. People who come forward to expose wrongdoing should be protected, in business as well as in government. Whistleblowers are an invaluable asset to society, but the Public Interest Disclosure Act is no longer fit for purpose. A new law is needed to ensure that whistleblowers have the protections and support they need to come forward without fear.
The UK Government should:
Ensure public authority compliance with Freedom of Information (FOI) Act requests by introducing strict statutory limits on the length of time taken to answer requests or reconsider decisions, and strengthening sanctions against those who deliberately destroy information.
Properly resource the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to carry out its FOI work, which should include monitoring, investigating underperforming authorities, and using enforcement notices to tackle systemic non-compliance.
Fully engage civil society in the creation of a new National Action Plan for the Open Government Partnership.
Develop the evidence base to close knowledge gaps and promote evidence-based policy making on corruption, as outlined in the National Anti- Corruption Strategy.
Bring forward a new law that ensures safe and effective whistleblowing arrangements for larger employers.