High price for freedom

So Much for "Freedom" of Information.

According to the Evening Express (October 26), Moray Council hasstarted charging to give out facts to which we are entitled.

And other councils are expected to follow suit.

So information is not freely available - we have to pay for it.

The explanation given is that dealing with requests takes up thetime of council officials.

But how is there time filled?

Is the general idea not that council officials are there to servethe public - and that the law states that we have the right toinformation.

It is therefore their job to provide it.

On this occasion, I agree with MSP Mike Rumbles, pictured, whosaid that the charge was outrageous.

We are all entitled to find out facts about our properties, andabout the way the council works.

This right should not just be confined to those who are preparedto pay a charge, or who can afford to pay up for the facts they needto know.

G SmithGarthdeeAberdeen