Councils will have to meet in public when they are making key decisions under the new Local Government Bill

The Government has accepted arguments put forward by the Campaign for Freedom of Information which have been highlighted on this page.

The public meetings will still be subject to existing exemptions that allow councils to 'go below the line', but the government has already said these will be reviewed.

There will also be a new clause which will require council officers to list background papers they have used in drawing up reports when those reports are made public.

In addition, rules will be brought in for the introduction of council forward plans - which means they will have to give advance notice of forthcoming decisions.

All credit to those who raised the matter with their MPs or sent letters of support. As Bob Satchwell, executive director of the Society of Editors, says this is a victory for common sense.

As a member of the Society we are grateful to the government for listening.

I look forward to them listening carefully to other issues about the Freedom of Information Bill.