How do public bodies respond to freedom of information legislation? Administration, modernisation and democratisation

This paper reflects on public service behaviour surrounding the early post-implementation period of the 2002 Freedom of Information [Scotland] Act. Drawing from research completed in September 2007 it examines the extent to which freedom of information (FOI) is generating new arrangements for managing information, thereby supporting government's broader modernisation agenda. By showing how FOI is managed within Scottish public bodies the paper also casts light on the practice of democratic government. It shows, too, how in three key aspects - administration, modernisation and democratisation - the delivery of FOI is infused by political behaviours and constrictions.