Sixty-five per cent of FOI appeals last year favoured requester

Daren Fitzhenry

Of those who appealed to the commissioner’s office, 65 per cent received a decision which found wholly or partly in their favour.

Marking International Right to Know Day, commissioner Daren Fitzhenry said: “Whoever seeks information, on whatever subject, and for whatever reason, the FOI Act says they are entitled to receive it.

“FOI opens the door to meaningful participation in our democratic society. It is from that openness, and the public participation it enables, that much-needed trust in our public authorities can be rebuilt.”

In 2017/18 the commissioner’s office investigated 19 per cent more appeals than the previous year from requesters who were unhappy with the authority’s response.

The commissioner outlined how, during the same period, he proactively intervened 230 times to improve public authorities’ FOI practice and performance: “It’s not just about appeals. We’re seeking to improve practice across the board, and improve requesters’ experiences, even if they don’t appeal.

“FOI is such a powerful and valuable tool. The data shows that most FOI requests are successful in securing disclosure of information. My message to people is: it’s your right, so use it as you see fit, and appeal to my office if you are unhappy with the response you get.

“It’s heartening to see how much the FOI right is used, and how it helps people to raise important issues and achieve positive change, from campaigning on local issues to identifying how public funds have been spent, highlighting NHS waiting times or checking the safety of public buildings. It’s about what people want to know, not necessarily what authorities think they want or need to know.”