Libdems want end to whitewash of special advisers’ advice
SNP ministers have been urged to stop an “outrageous” whitewashing of the political record as Scotland’s information watchdog appears before MSPS.
The Libdems highlighted a row over civil servants being ordered to immediately delete emails from political advisers about freedom of information (FOI) requests.
The practice was uncovered by investigative writer James Mcenaney, who obtained the rules for officials handling input from special advisers (Spads) on FOI.
These included the instruction: “Once Spads have provided final comments on the request keep only the email containing the final comments and the final response letter. Delete everything else immediately.”
Holyrood’s public audit committee will today hear Scottish Information Commissioner Daren Fitzhenry, who is investigating the Government’s FOI record after complaints from the media about excessive secretiveness and poor practice.
Carole Ewart, of the Campaign for Freedom of Information Scotland, and Tommy Kane, an adviser to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn are also due to take part in a round-table discussion on the working of the 2002 Freedom of Information Act.
Mr Rumbles said of the advice on Spads: “This outrageous instruction is designed to cover the tracks of special advisers, no other reason.”
A Government spokesman said: “It is the responsibility of the lead policy official handling the FOI to ensure that documents for the public record, including emails, are correctly stored.”