Changes to FOI Act could weaken the public's right to know

Changes to FOI Act could weaken the public's right to know

Politically-embarrassing requests could be buried more easily if proposed changes to the Freedom of Information Act are put into force, say campaigners.

The £600 limit on processing requests may be extended to include officials' thinking time, the Lord Chancellor suggested.

The Campaign for Freedom of Information said it would make it easier for authorities to refuse potentially embarrassing requests on cost grounds.

The government has said the changes could save £5m of taxpayers' money.

Change 'will weaken' openness law (BBC website, 17 October 2006)

FoI curbs 'rip heart out of right to know law': Cost cap change could bar information requests, Organisations face limit on number of applications (The Guardian, 17 October 2006)