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Editors hit out at ministers over plans to restrict FoI appeals

Bob SatchwellThe Society of Editors has opposed government recommendations which would restrict the right to appeal decisions made by the Information Commissioner regarding the Freedom of Information Act.

The SoE has spoken out against the government’s response to the Justice Committee’s Second Report of session 2016/17, on courts and tribunal fees.

Such a move would remove the right to appeal a decision by the Commissioner to the First Tier Tribunal (FTT).

The Independent Commission on Freedom of Information recommended that legislation should be introduced to remove the right of appeal to the FTT earlier this year.

The government’s response reads: “We see no reason to disagree with the view of the Independent Commission on Freedom of Information that legislation should be introduced to remove the right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal against an Information Commissioner decision.

“The government does not believe that this recommendation is related to court and tribunal fees and we believe that strictly it falls outside the terms of reference of the Justice Committee’s inquiry.”

It adds that the proposals is among a number of recommendations made by the commission which is being “carefully considered”.

Bob Satchwell, pictured above left, executive director of the Society of Editors, said: “Any idea of restricting the right of appeal in FOI cases must be resisted.

“After the long and torturous review of FOI earlier this year, government ministers should be in no doubt of the strength of feeling about the value of FOI to the public. The Act should be strengthened and not weakened in any way.”

The Campaign for Freedom of Information warned: “Abolishing the FTT would require such legislative changes. The FTT is a vital safeguard against poor decisions from the Information Commissioner.

“In 2014, some 20pc of requester appeals to the FTT were wholly or partly successful. The campaign believes that depriving requestors of this right of appeal would seriously weaken the public’s right to know.”

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  • November 16, 2016 at 1:41 pm
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    It is rather sinister to see just how determined our politicians and civil servants are to water down the FOI Act. They were clearly taken aback by the strength of feeling expressed during the #HandsOffFOI campaign earlier this year, and yet they still attempt to weaken the Act. With so many domestic and international distractions at the moment, the risk is heightened, so we’re really going to have stay on our guard if the concept, hard-won principles and continued operation of freedom of information are to be defended and maintained.

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