Why is my simple query being treated as FOI?
FOI Man suggests that how an enquiry is badged is irrelevant – it’s other issues that dictate how long a request takes to answer.
Is FOI purpose-blind?
Is a public authority allowed to question why you want information? FOI Man investigates.
Why the public interest test is so important
Most exemptions are subject to a public interest test. But why is it so important to ensuring that the Freedom of Information Act works?
Keeping secrets secret
The Daily Telegraph has highlighted the tricky issue of redaction. FOI Man reflects on the perhaps surprising difficulties of blanking out a bit of text.
Keep the politics out of FOI
The Leader of Kirklees Council has been accused of vetting and altering FOI responses from his council. FOI Man thinks that politicians should keep out of answering FOI requests for their own good.
Why my £9K saving wasn’t a victory for the Big Society
This week FOI saved my organisation £9k. But it was only spotted by a member of staff. It wouldn’t have been picked up by the requester.