ABSTRACT
Open government', according to the Information Commissioner, 'is not always easy government but it is good government'. The term 'open government' is often used interchangeably with terms such as 'transparency' or 'freedom of information' (FoI). The need for openness arises because of the tradition or habit of secrecy in local government and a number of factors may be identified as contributing to the origins of this secrecy. Richard Chapman addresses some of the principles associated with open government by focusing on the meaning of some of the key terms that are frequently used to justify the case for openness. The increasing use of the FoI Act by requesters seeking policy related information provides some encouragement for those hoping to encourage public participation in government. Openness is therefore an ongoing activity rather than a condition that is likely to be fully achieved.
