The public's right to know about public services is being eroded as more and more policies stop being covered by Freedom of Information (FOI) laws, campaigners have warned.
They are calling for civil organisations across Scotland to add their voices to demands that the Scottish Government take action to prevent the law being undermined.
The Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland said the increasing 'contracting out' of public services was causing problems - with the public's right to know blocked in many cases.
Examples include the many arms-length organisations (ALEOs) now delivering public services for councils, as well as charities, housing associations and umbrella bodies such as councils group COSLA, all of which are not covered.
The campaign wants other organisations to join a call for ministers, who are already extending the law, to do more.
Carole Ewart, convener of the CFoIS, said: "As public services are increasingly delivered by bodies like ALEOs, housing associations, charitable bodies and the private sector, they tend to slip out of freedom of information coverage.
"The public are increasingly aware of, and supportive of FOI so we're asking organisations working with that public to join us in expressing that support to government."
A clause in the original act that allows the Scottish Government to ensure organisations are covered has only been used once in the ten years since it was passed. Promises that a wider range of bodies would be included, have largely failed to be delivered. Current plans for change will only open up private prisons, secure accommodation for children, and grant-aided and independent special schools to FOI rules. The government's consultation specifically rejected the idea of including housing associations.
Carole Ewart said "The Government is currently analysing the responses to its consultation before moving to stage two in the law-making process. We will be building the broadest possible base of organisations to call for the proposals to be beefed up so that people have the right to ask for information on our public services, whoever delivers them. Seven bodies have signed up before we've even launched the document."
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