Councillor demands release of food inspection reports

1.41.09pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 15th Dec 2005

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland is demanding once again that the Council release information about food safety standards in local pubs, clubs, restaurants and other food outlets.

She said,

" I tried at the October Council meeting to get a change in policy but both Labour and the Conservatives voted against.

Now, the Freedom of Information Inspector has ruled that a Council in Wales ( Bridgend ) must release its inspection report for a local hotel.

Before that a London Borough( Hammersmith and Fulham ) refused to release their information to 'WHICH?' but caved in when they too were reported to the Information Commissioner.

Using the Freedom of Information Act as leverage, I have asked the Council to begin to release the information onto the web site by, for example, adopting a scheme similar to one in South Cambridgeshire. This council grades food outlets with a star rating for their hygiene standards.

Not only do people have a right to have this information when they are making choices about where to eat out but the knowledge that reports will be made public should drive up standards."