FREEDOM of information campaigners have praised an initial discussion paper that could pave the way for government openness.

THERE are many fine words in the strategy report by the former information director at the Ministry of Justice:

FROM what is emerging out of Frossard House, the Policy Council has decided not to support freedom of information locally. Instead, it is to recommend promoting a policy of openness and the proactive release of material so FoI is simply not necessary.

STATES members will be recommended not to introduce a freedom of information law, it is understood.

MINISTERS yesterday defended making a U-turn in the States on backing a freedom of information regime – and insisted they were always supportive.

THE Policy Council will have until December next year to present a report on government transparency, if an amendment to the States’ Strategic Plan is accepted.

WHAT we’ve got here is a failure to communicate.

KEY policy issues facing Guernsey are on the table today at a meeting between Chief Minister Lyndon Trott and Michael Wills, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice.

THE refusal last week by Treasury and Resources to confirm that multi-millionaire Tom Scott is indeed the new owner of Belvedere House is a worrying development for a new-look States that is considering whether to adopt the principle of freedom of information.

WHAT a difference an election makes. Just a few months ago, islanders were assured that the Policy Council was too busy even to consider insignificant matters such as freedom of information.