Firms try to use Act to find reason for failure

The Margin hears that companies which made pitches to government departments over the years are among the first to try use the Freedom of Information Act, seeking access to the files kept in relation to the, presumably unsuccessful, applications for business.

The new law only provides access to files created since April though individuals can see personal files no matter when they were created. The companies are arguing that, as legal entities, they should be treated as individuals and be allowed access to personal files created prior to April.

The departments have rejected this argument and the matter is now being appealed. Sources believe the companies have little hope of success, which is a pity as civil servants have been warned that from April all files should be drafted bearing in mind the possibility of their subsequently becoming part of a Freedom of Information request.