A proposed law making housing associations subject to the Freedom of Information Act has won the backing of the regional and national press trade body.

The News Media Association is supporting a bill which has been proposed and drafted by the Campaign for Freedom of Information.

The CFOI is urging MPs who won the right to introduce their own bill in a ballot last week to sponsor their Freedom of Information (Contractors etc) Bill, which would allow the public to see information held by contractors about public services they provide.

The bill would apply to contracts delivered either by commercial bodies or charities, and would also bring local child safeguarding boards and housing associations under the FoI Act.

For the bill to go forward at this stage one of 20 MPs who were successful in the 29 June Private Members Bill ballot would need sponsor it.

Maurice Frankel, CFOI director, said: “Housing associations have for years actively resisted coming under FOI. The result is that when questions are put to them they can fold their arms, look the other way and refuse to answer.

“Concern about the safety of their premises after the Grenfell fire makes that unsustainable.”