REPORTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT
EXEMPTIONS INCLUDE:
- Information relating to any individual
- Information which is likely to reveal identity of an individual
- Information relating to the financial or business affairs of an individual
- Information relating to any investigation or prosecution of a crime
HOW WILL YOU KNOW WHEN THE COUNCIL MEETS?
- Your local council must give at least FIVE clear days notice before a public meeting is held
- If you are representing a news outlet, your local council must provide you with the agenda upon payment of postage and/or copying charges however
AND WHEN THE EXECUTIVES (CABINET) MEET
- Your local executive must give at least FIVE clear days notice before a public meeting is held
AND WHEN EXECUTIVE MEETS IN PRIVATE?
- Your local council executive (cabinet) must give at least 28 clear days notice before a private
SO CAN I JUST TURN UP AND REPORT?
- Yes
- Local government bodies are required by law to provide “reasonable facilities” for reporters.
CAN I TWEET FROM A COUNCIL MEETING?
- Yes
- You can report meetings via social media of any kind
- As long as your actions are not disruptive
- But you can’t broadcast a live commentary
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
