Extend Freedom of Information rules to include private companies on Government contracts, suggests Minister
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Large private companies which win lucrative contracts from the public purse are to be encouraged to comply with freedom of information requests, a Government Minister has disclosed.
The move was announced days after the Commons public accounts committee denounced the “veil of secrecy” surrounding the award of contracts to corporate giants such as G4S.
The committee called for FoI legislation to be extended to cover such deals.
Simon Hughes, the Justice Minister, stopped short of promising fresh laws, but said a new code of practice on the issue would be issued to Whitehall departments by the end of the year.
It would “make sure that private companies that carry out public functions have freedom of information requirements in their contracts,” he told MPs.
However, the Campaign for Freedom of Information pointed out that he was not proposing making firms directly subject to FoI.
Mr Hughes also told MPs that the Government intends to extend the scope of the FoI Act as soon as is practical.
He said ministers were considering whether to bring Network Rail under the remit of FoI. The move comes after the legislation was widened to cover academies, the Association of Chief Police Officers, and 100 companies wholly owned by more than one public authority.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments