MP Oliver Heald is supporting an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons over the Freedom of Information Act. The North East Herts MP and Constitutional Affairs Shadow Secretary, is concerned that proposed changes to the Act will lead to less requests be
MP Oliver Heald is supporting an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons over the Freedom of Information Act.
The North East Herts MP and Constitutional Affairs Shadow Secretary, is concerned that proposed changes to the Act will lead to less requests being made under the legislation.
Proposals being considered in Government circles include a new fees regulation which will see costs worked out on the number of requests rather than separate occasions.
The all-party motion says that MPs are concerned about the proposed changes and the fact that it could allow authorities to refuse on cost grounds a high proportion of requests.
It says such a proposal will have "a greater impact" on journalists, MPs, campaign groups and researchers than on private individuals.
"Such changes would undermine the Act's contribution to increased discussion on public affairs, accountability and trust in the work of public authorities," it says.
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