The DCA has launched what it bills as a website to assist the public authorities preparing for the Freedom of Information Act. In fact the URL currently points to the FOI pages on the DCA site. The Act comes into operation on 1 January 2005 when the public will be able to request a wide range of information from public authorities, such as minutes of meetings and background material used to formulate policies. The new site contains all the key information public authorities will need, including guidance on planning and delivering internal training, guidance on procuring Freedom of Information IT systems, Codes of Practice for compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, DCA’s own Project Initiation Document for implementation. The site also contains a list of every public authority subject to the Freedom of Information Act and easy-to-follow instructions for people who might be interested in making a request for information.
