Freedom of Information bill to take first step

The first steps towards introducing a freedom of information bill in the Island will be taken this morning (25 Nov).

Following a public consultation, a bill is due to receive its first reading in the House of Keys.

It would introduce a legal right of access to information held by public authorities since the start of the current administration three years ago.

Government ministers have agreed the FOI regime should start in 2016 with a pilot scheme in two departments.

The UK introduced a Freedom of Information Act in 2005.

Chief Minister Allan Bell says new laws will strike a balance between access and cost.