The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has now published a sector-specific definition document for most public authorities (including local authorities, health bodies, schools and police authorities) to accompany its new model publication scheme which it published in May 2008 (see Legal update, ICO launches new model publication scheme). The ICO is still developing a definition document for broadcasting authorities which it hopes to publish in the autumn of 2008. The ICO is encouraging all public authorities to adopt the model scheme to comply with their obligations under section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (namely to adopt and maintain a publication scheme); authorities should operate their current schemes until 31 December 2008 and then adopt the model scheme from 1 January 2009.

Source: ICO notice, 1 July 2008.