Ombudsman accuses Government of secrecy
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.The official watchdog on freedom of information has accused the Government of becoming more secretive despite its repeated public pledges to bring in more openness.
Sir Michael Buckley, the parliamentary ombudsman, who monitors the Government's code of practice on access to official information, said: "We have noticed a tendency for departments to take a harder line and be less co-operative. It is fairly uphill work with departments."
He singled out Jack Straw who as Home Secretary became the first and only minister to refuse to accept the ombudsman's recommendation to release information. Mr Straw blocked a request by the Tory MP Andrew Robathan to disclose how many times Home Office ministers had declared an interest under Whitehall's anti-sleaze code and consulted their civil servants over a possible conflict of interest.
Sir Michael said: "It was a relatively minor matter to be taking this attitude about. It was not about the work of the intelligence agencies or national security."
He also criticised the Cabinet's decision to delay the introduction of its much-heralded Freedom of Information Act from next summer until 2005.
Sir Michael, whose main role is to investigate complaints by the public of maladministration by the Government, expressed concern at the time Whitehall departments took to compensate people after a complaint had been upheld.
He said there was "an element" of double standards in the attitude of some departments that imposed strict timetables on the public such as the deadline for tax returns.
He also criticised the Government for delaying plans to streamline the system under which the public can make complaints of maladministration. "It is ironic that ministers who ... are deeply dissatisfied with the pace of reform in public services should be reluctant to pursue reforms which ... would lead to a greatly improved service to the public," he said.
Sir Michael expressed sympathy for Elizabeth Filkin, the parliamentary commissioner for standards, who is leaving her job after being told she would have to reapply for it. "At a personal level I do feel sympathetic," he said. "I had dealings with her when she was an Inland Revenue adjudicator and I have a great deal of regard for her."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments