Open Government in a Theoretical and Practical Context

Richard A. Chapman is Emeritus Professor of Politics and Honorary Research Fellow at Durham Business School, Durham University, UK. Michael Hunt is Senior Lecturer in Public Administration at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

'The Freedom of Information Act brings specific benefits to a wide range of people in the access it provides to information, and has the potential to bring about far-reaching change in the practice of government. This book raises fascinating questions about why it was enacted, whether it will achieve its potential, and whether the more unwilling elements in politics and the bureaucracies have a significant capacity to resist the process of change...worthwhile reading.' Rt Hon. Alan Beith, MP 'From a forensic examination of the Hutton report to citizenship in an electronic age, this important book addresses one of the most pressing issues of modern democracy. A set of superb essays, from practitioners as well as academics, provides fresh insights on the way we are governed.' John Kingdom, formerly at Sheffield Hallam University, UK 'Open Government in a Theoretical and Practical Context is recommended for its thought-provoking analysis of the early days of the FOI era.' Open Government 'The collection is remarkable for its consistent focus on the practicality of progress and for understanding that effective government means a certain degree of secrecy. The authors are also sensitive to the role that cuture plays in government and politics...The chapters are also refreshingly critical in their treatment of the public for its increasing lack of engagement, a trend that could be reversed should this book's reasoned optimism find its way from academic circles to the public square.' Political Studies Review 'A major strength of the book is that the complex and politically charged arguments that exist in this area are addressed through a consideration of the actual practice of government itself...[the book] contains a great deal to think about and, for teachers of public administration, it provides scope for numerous essay titles, practical exercises and exam questions. On both counts it is to be thoroughly welcomed and highly recommended.' Teaching Public Administration '...this volume is a most useful and insightful contribution to the debate about accountability in contemporary government.' Public Administration

• Contents: Open government and freedom of information, Michael Hunt and Richard A. Chapman; The Freedom of Information Act - the first three months, Lord Goodhart; The potential benefits of freedom of information, Simon James; Local government and access to information, Michael Hunt; The Principle of Complementarity: freedom of information, public accountability and whistleblowing, Geoffrey Hunt; The Hutton Report: judgment, leadership and open government, Richard A. Chapman; Freedom with or freedom of information: the role of 'special advisers' in British central government, Barry J. O'Toole; Openness: a perspective from the Committee on Standards in Public Life, Robert Behrens; Freedom of information: where we were, where we are (and why), where we are going (and how), James Michael; Freedom of information and its impact on archives, Susan Healy; Freedom with information: electronic government, information intensity and challenges to citizenship, John A. Taylor, Miriam Lips and Joe Organ; Open Government in a theoretical and practical context, Richard A. Chapman and Michael Hunt; A background note: the House of Commons and the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Frank Cranmer; Index.