The Society of Editors’ (SoE) response comes after the Financial Times reported earlier this month that government figures are allegedly discussing a reduction in the cost ceiling for processing freedom of information requests as the number of annual submissions has increased. Currently, the cost threshold for complying with a request is set at £600 for central government and £450 for other public bodies but this could be reduced.
Responding to the reports, Dawn Alford, chief executive of the Society said: “The Freedom of Information Act is a vital mechanism for ensuring accountability and transparency in government and any attempt to restrict the scope of the legislation would be damaging to democracy.
“The Prime Minister has spoken of his desire to restore trust and integrity in UK politics and the importance of openness and transparency. Restricting the scope of freedom of information requests – a vital tool for both the media and the public to hold government to account – would run counter to these objectives. We urge officials to urgently rethink such plans.”
The FT report can be read in full here.
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