Freedom of Information delays concern regulator

Information Commissioner Paul Vane said he was concerned over the misuse of exemptions for FOI requests

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.

The Government of Jersey said it agreed that challenges remained and its legislation was under review.

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

It 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."

Assistant Chief Minister Deputy Malcolm Ferey said the government recognises that significant strides have been made in responding efficiently and proactively publishing information.

"Ministers remain committed to more open government, but there will always be information which should not be released for good reasons," he said.

"We recognise, however, that exemptions need to be applied consistently and any member of the public who is dissatisfied with a response to their FOI request should let us know.

"We look forward to working with the Information Commissioner as we continue to make improvements."