Jersey freedom of information law would 'cost too much'

Jersey's Council of Ministers said it could not support the freedom of information law because of how much it would cost to implement and run.

It said that it fully supported the principles of the law, but it was inadequately resourced and had little chance of success.

The law would allow people to access information from public bodies such as the States and the parish.

The freedom of information law will be debated on 3 May 2011.

The Council of Ministers said it was committed to the concept of openness and transparency.

It said there would need to be cuts in the business plan and strategic plan to afford the £5.6m needed to implement it, and the £1.3m a year afterwards.