Crackdown on freedom requests

PUBLIC bodies which flout the rules on access to information are facing a crackdown, with the Information Commissioner's Office promising to take a hard line with repeat offenders.

By The Newsroom

Published 21st Jul 2010, 00:19 BST

Updated 21st Jul 2010, 00:19 BST

Government departments, councils, NHS trusts and a host of other public organisations have been subject to the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act since 2005.

But many are continuing to fail to meet their legal obligations and the Commissioner has now signalled a new tougher approach.

Up to a quarter of all complaints to the office relate to a failure to respond within the statutory maximum of 20 working days. Some public bodies are failing to provide any response at all and some are failing to provide a specific legal exemption when refusing to provide information.

It is promising more use of its regulatory powers including Enforcement Notices.

NHS