Information act could be widened

Ministers must publicly consult before widening the scope of the act

Freedom of information laws could be extended to cover housing associations, private finance projects and private prisons in Scotland, it has emerged.

Scottish ministers are assessing the possibility of extending the scope of the Freedom of Information Act, which sets the limits of public access.

A final decision would be subject to formal consultation.

The 2005 Act has the aim of increasing accountability. It is enforced by the Information Commissioner, Kevin Dunion.

Possible additions to the act would include registered social landlords, contractors who provide public services and bodies set up by local authorities.

BBC Scotland understands that if these additions were approved private prisons might need to publish contract details, such as penalty clauses if a prisoner escapes.

The organisations we are looking at in terms of coverage have not been chosen at random Bruce Crawford MSP Minister for Parliamentary Business

Schools and hospitals built by private contractors could be required to publish details of their contracts, including financial information.

It could also see housing associations having to divulge information about tenancy matters.

Minister for Parliamentary Business, Bruce Crawford, said he would be having discussions with "interested parties" about extending the act.

"The organisations we are looking at in terms of coverage have not been chosen at random," he said.

"They are bodies about whom concerns over a lack of coverage have consistently been raised with us."

Mr Crawford is due to discuss issues surrounding freedom of information with his UK and Welsh counterparts this week.