UK Government backs off from changes to freedom of information

The regime under the UK Freedom of Information Act is "working well" and no new legislation is needed, a Government review has concluded.

Ministers instructed the review last year after concerns were expressed that some sensitive information was insufficiently protected. Some authorities also wanted to be able to charge for providing information, or to make it easier to refuse requests on grounds of cost.

However Cabinet Office minister Matt Hancock, announcing the outcome today, said: "We will not make any legal changes to FoI. We will spread transparency throughout public services, making sure all public bodies routinely publish details of senior pay and perks.

"After all, taxpayers should know if their money is funding a company car or a big pay-off."

The decision means that ministers will not be given further powers to veto the release of information.

The report states that FoI has helped "change the culture of the public sector", concluding that "there is no evidence that the Act needs to be radically altered, or that the right of access to information needs to be restricted".

Some recommendations have been made to improve clarity.