Having a Laugh


Here's a post from the blog site archive which announced the Scottish Information Commissioner's decision - over a year ago - to uphold my Freedom of Information appeal regarding South Lanarkshire Council (SLC). 

From this post I hope readers can see why I believe that SLC is engaged in a cynical abuse of the FOI process - and why the council is having a laugh more generally with its weasel words of support - for openness and accountability.

To my mind the leadership of the council is giving Scottish Labour a bad name - and I can tell readers - from personal experience - that no other council in Scotland behaves in this way.

Colonel Gaddafi in Disguise (18 March 2011)

Good news!

The Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC) has upheld my appeal - over South Lanarkshire Council's refusal to publish pay information - regarding the earnings of traditional male jobs.

Now this has been a long and winding road - with South Lanarkshire fighting every step of the way to keep this information under wraps.

And yes this is the same South Lanarkshire Council - which had the following proud boast on the council's web site:

"Freedom of Information legislation is designed to ensure openness and accountability. This means that wherever possible, we will make the information you request available to you."

I say if that's an accurate reflection of South Lanarkshire's approach to Freedom of Information - then I'm really Colonel Gaddafi in disguise.

I will have more to say about the Information Commissioner's decision - in the days ahead.

In the meantime, if you would like a copy, please drop me a note at: markirvine@compuserve.com

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