Assessment of the implementation and effects of Law on Access to Administrative Documents in Lisbon Municipality (PTLIS0001)

Commitment ID

PTLIS0001

Commitment Title

Assessment of the implementation and effects of Law on Access to Administrative Documents in Lisbon Municipality

Problem

Access to administrative documents is crucial for the scrutiny of administrative activities and for participatory democracy. The inclusion of a measure aimed at improving access to administrative information in the Lisbon City Council’s (CML) Transparency and Corruption Prevention Strategy reflects the priority given by the Executive to this issue. Internal diagnoses carried out at different times between 2023 and the first half of 2024 were followed by the progressive introduction of some improvements, both in terms of active transparency (Transparency Portal) and passive transparency (management of citizens' access requests). But do the introduced improvements ensure compliance with the Law on Access to Administrative Documents in the Municipality of Lisbon (LADA), in terms of both active and passive transparency? And what are its internal and external effects? Without evidence on how the exercise of the right to access administrative documents is being ensured, we do not have an objective basis for introducing improvements that, in compliance with the law, meet the needs and expectations of citizens.

Status quo

To implement this Measure, an assessment was conducted on the application of the Law on Access to Administrative Documents in the municipality of Lisbon, and an optimized model was developed for managing requests for access to documents and administrative information, aiming to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and legal compliance across all departments. The Access to Information Officer for the Municipality of Lisbon has been appointed. Currently, the integrated management model is under review, and a tool to support the monitoring of requests is in development.

Action

The aim of the commitment is to evaluate compliance with the Law on Access to Administrative Documents in the Municipality of Lisbon and the effects arising from its implementation. This evaluation will identify the strengths and weaknesses of the implementation of LADA in this local government and, consequently, will lead to the development of a proposal for measures to improve access to administrative information by citizens, with gains in transparency and civic participation.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The evaluation will assess whether the LADA is being implemented effectively in the Municipality of Lisbon and whether citizens have access to the necessary public information. The information resulting from the evaluation will allow for the identification of improvement areas in the internal process of managing requests for access to administrative documents, as well as in the information published online. With the subsequent implementation of these improvements, we will be proactively promoting administrative transparency in our local government, also contributing to the application of national legislation and the dissemination of best practices in the public sector in this area.
The implementation of this commitment is supported by a consultative body composed of experts and representatives from public and non-governmental entities (GREAA) and includes three main milestones:
The first milestone is the consolidation of the methodology, structuring of the evaluation, and adjustment of the schedule. This stage will define the evaluation methodology, identify stakeholders, and adjust the project timeline.
The second milestone is the preparation of the Evaluation Report with proposed improvements, involving data collection, analysis of actions, and the formulation of improvement proposals.
Finally, the third milestone is the communication of results to stakeholders and citizens in general.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

The commitment to evaluate the implementation and effects of the Law on Access to Administrative Documents (LADA) in the Municipality of Lisbon is relevant to three values: Transparency - It improves the dissemination, quality, and accessibility of information, ensuring the right to public information; Civic Participation - It fosters an environment conducive to public engagement; Public Accountability - It aims to create and/or improve procedures. This commitment strengthens the principles of the OGP, raises citizens' awareness about the right to access information, and promotes transparency and civic participation. Additionally, it allows for the evaluation of the municipality's compliance with LADA, identifies areas for improvement, and contributes to a more responsible and accessible government.

Primary Policy Area

Right to Information, Other/NA

Primary Sector

Public Services (general)

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?