Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information

In October 2007, the Prime Minister announced a number of constitutional initiatives, including an independent review of the "30 year rule" - the arrangements governing the custody of and access to public records.  The review was chaird by Paul Dacre, Editor in Chief of Associated Newspapers, Sir Joe Pilling, former Permanant Secretary of the Northern Ireland Office, and the historian Professor Sir David Cannadine. The team was supported throughout its work by staff from The National Archives.

The review took evidence from a wide range of organisations and individuals, and examined the history of access to public records. It published its report and recommendations in January 2009.

The government announced its response to the independent review today, having considered the findings of the report and consulted widely with relevant organisations.

Today, the Prime Minister announced the following key changes:

• A reduction in the 30 year rule to 20 years
• The potential broadening of the reach of the Freedom of Information Act
• Exemptions to the 20 year rule will include Royal and Cabinet papers
• Tim Berners-Lee will develop work on Web 3.0 to standardise government websites.

Details of Tim Berners-Lee's appointment.