ABSTRACT
Amongst the various justifications for freedom of information (FoI) increasing public participation, or improving the opportunities available for the public to contribute to policy making, has always seemed one of the most significant. Arnstein's classic formulation offers a range of possible levels of citizen participation in the process of government ranging from manipulation to full citizen control. This chapter explores the impact of FoI on a selected group of local authorities. It therefore complements the broader survey undertaken by Sarah Holsen and Ben Worthy. One of the first purposes of the research was to review the schemes adopted by local authorities to publish information, a process set in train by the Local Government Act, 2000. Most of the principal authorities undertook some publicity about the Act in the period leading up to its implementation in 2005. A broader question concerned public knowledge of the Act, a key requirement if they are to make use of its provisions.
