Projects

Protection of Official Data

Project status: Analysis of responses

Download the consultation paper Download the consultation summary The problem Certain categories of official information are protected from unauthorised disclosure by the criminal law. This includes information relating to security and intelligence, defence, and international relations. Unauthorised disclosure of these types of information might harm national security or other important state interests. The Official Secrets … Read more >

Public Services Ombudsmen

Project status: Complete

Our report makes a series of recommendations aimed at improving access to the public services ombudsmen, ensuring that they have the freedom to continue their valuable work and improving their independence and accountability. Foremost amongst our recommendations are: The appointment of the Parliamentary Commissioner on the nomination of an individual by Parliament. Parliament, and the … Read more >

Publication of Local Authority Reports

Project status: Complete

In this project, we considered whether changes were needed in the law relating to inquiries undertaken by local authorities. In February 2000 Sir Ronald Waterhouse published the results of the inquiry he chaired into the abuse of children in council homes in North Wales. He was concerned there might be circumstances where local authorities might feel … Read more >

Railways (Abortive Projects)

In our consultation paper we propose the repeal of more than 200 obsolete Acts relating to 19th century railway projects that failed to materialise. The usual reason for their failure was lack of finance.  Many railway projects collapsed in the banking crisis of 1866, a crisis partly caused by ambitious speculative investment in railway building. … Read more >

Railways (Rates and Charges)

In our consultation paper we propose the repeal of more than 40 obsolete Acts relating to the charges levied on railway freight traffic in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The railways were operated by private companies and these Acts were an attempt by Government to regulate the charges for transporting railway freight.  These … Read more >