FOI act could be in place next year

The long-awaited Freedom of Information Act could be in place by early next year.

The Chief Minister says he intends to propose a framework for the bill before Christmas but this relies heavily on legal issues.

Allan Bell also gave an update into the ongoing Scope of Government Report in Tynwald yesterday where he outlined a series of ministerial priorities and revealed a new performance website.

He added there was already a well-publicised code of practice for ministers and Tynwald members but hoped this would take legislative form in the near future.