Both of the Houses of Parliament have agreed to pass the motion that will make Network Rail subject to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act later this year.
The ‘Freedom of Information (Designation as Public Authorities) Order 2015’ was before MPs and Lords at the beginning of this week.
By approving the statutory instrument legislators designate Network Rail as a public authority under the FOI Act.
The rail group will become fully subject to FOI at the beginning of April.
“The Order has been drafted to enable it to be made and commenced by this time, and on the day after the day on which it is made.
“The Ministry of Justice is in close contact with Network Rail to ensure it is aware of when the Order will come into force,” an explanation of the Order said.
You can read more about Network Rail’s inclusion in the Act here.
Parliament’s agreement
The House of Commons:
“That the draft Freedom of Information (Designation as Public Authorities) Order 2015, which was laid before this House on 12 January, be approved.”
The House of Lords:
“17 Freedom of Information (Designation as Public Authorities) Order 2015 Lord Faulks moved that the draft Order laid before the House on 12 January be approved. The motion was agreed to.”