Poll shows freedom act awareness

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Public awareness of freedom of information is high, according to a major new report.

Research by the Scottish Information Commissioner said that 74% of those surveyed were aware of the law.

However, the report also indicated that awareness may be lower in particular groups including young people, the elderly and people with disabilities.

The survey of about 1,000 people was conducted by Progressive Scottish Opinion.

The report also found that 64% of respondents believed that Scottish public authorities were becoming more open and accountable as a result of freedom of information (FOI).

Access to information can be a powerful tool in helping to change an individual's circumstances Scottish Information Commissioner Kevin Dunion

While 69% felt that more information was available from public authorities than ever before and 69% felt that Scottish public authorities were more open and accountable than their equivalents in the rest of the UK.

Some 57% of people believed that public authorities would find a way round their FOI responsibilities if they didn't want to provide information.

The study also revealed that the majority of respondents (73%) who reported having made an FOI request to a public authority received all of the information they had asked for.

'Fully aware'

Kevin Dunion, the Scottish Information Commissioner, said: "The findings are heartening and suggest that awareness of the right to information is becoming embedded in the public consciousness.

"However I am concerned that awareness may be lower within those groups who may well have most cause to use freedom of information rights such as young people, the elderly and those with disabilities.

"Scotland's FOI rights are available to all, and it is important that every sector of society - and particularly the most vulnerable - can exercise them. "Access to information can be a powerful tool in helping to change an individual's circumstances.

"We need to ensure that all groups in society are fully aware of their rights."