Freedom of Information Act 'should be for private firms too'

The Freedom of Information Act should be updated to include "any body funded by the taxpayer" said a Labour councillor.

The act applies to local and central government - allowing the public to ask for details about how they work - but not to the private companies and voluntary firms who carry out work for them.

Theo Blackwell, the London Borough of Camden Council cabinet member for finance, said it meant a "complex web of private contracts" is not subject to as much scrutiny.

He said: "It is time for the private sector firms to work by public sector rules if they want our contracts."

Watch the studio debate that followed this film with Conservative MP Damian Green and Labour MP Sadiq Khan.

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