Freedom of Information for Local Authorities and Their Advisers

Seminar Archive Alexander Ruck Keene 07th January 2005

The seminar is intended to provide a practical introduction for local authorities and their advisers to the workings of this important new Act, and will include guidance on the effect of the new Environmental Information Regulations.

• Broad principles, including the interaction with DPA and article 8
• The role of the Information Commissioner
• Time-limits for compliance with requests for information
• Exceptions to time-limits
• Fees
• Good practice in responding to requests
• Environmental Information Regulations
• Lessons learned from other jurisdictions
• Prospects for the future

Jeremy Morgan QC and Alexander Ruck Keene are both barristers with considerable interest and experience in the new field of Freedom of Information law. They have worked closely with Liberty on policy submissions relating to information law (most notably during the passage of what is now the Children Act 2004), advised on data protection and access to information issues and lectured on the subject.

Both have particular expertise in local government law.  Alexander Ruck Keene is currently seconded one day a week to the legal department of Buckinghamshire County Council. Jeremy Morgan has maintained an interest in local government law throughout his professional life, starting as a solicitor in a law centre: at the Bar he has advised and represented both local authorities and their opponents.

Related Barristers

Alexander Ruck Keene