Recommendation 8

The Cabinet Office should review these practices and their own compliance with the Freedom of Information Act to model best practice. This should include, in particular, the adoption, where possible, of applicant-blind processing of requests; clear guidance on the very limited circumstances under which it may be appropriate for Ministers and Special Advisers to become involved in responding to Freedom of Information requests; and the establishment of appropriate timetables for the completion of internal reviews. Where it finds evidence that practices in Government departments are falling short of best practice, it should implement robust procedures to prevent their reoccurrence.