Freedom of Information delays concern regulator

The office which manages Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to Jersey's public bodies said it had observed "delays, excessive redactions and concerns over misuse of exemptions".

Information Commissioner Paul Vane said: "While many public bodies have made significant strides in responding efficiently and proactively publishing information, challenges remain."

An FOI is a formal request for information made to a public authority. There were 1,292 received by the Jersey office in 2024, up from1,046 in 2023, said its annual report.

There were also 12 appeals, which was described in the report as an "unprecedented" number.

The office said there were usually an average of "one or two" appeals a year.

It would be reviewing whether this was due to "excessive redactions" and "misuse of exemptions", it added.

Mr Vane said: "We have observed instances of delays, excessive redactions, and concerns over misuse of exemptions

"We are liaising with the Government of Jersey's Central Information Governance Office to understand more about such delays and how, as the regulator, our office could support."

The BBC has contacted the government for comment.

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