Ministers are not providing enough guidance to the public sector about the impact of new freedom of information legislation, MPs have warned.

A report published by the Commons constitutional affairs select committee has raised concerns about the ability of a range of local bodies and government agencies to comply with new laws which take effect from January 1.

The study found Whitehall departments have made "good progress" in their preparations.

But the situation elsewhere was described as "less encouraging".

"The failure of the Department for Constitutional Affairs to provide strategic control, leadership or early enough guidance to public bodies on the technical aspects of implementation as well as the high turnover of DCA staff are partly to blame for the current situation," said the report.