Exploring Ways to Improve Handling of Freedom of Information Complaints by the ICO

The ICO is launching a consultation to review how it prioritises Freedom of Information (FOI) complaints due to limited funding, an increase in cases, and a need to support public authorities. The proposed changes would mean the ICO aims to allocate priority cases within four weeks and complete 90% of all cases within six months. The new criteria will cover both FOI Act and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) complaints, with the aim of providing regulatory certainty to the requester about the decision as quickly as possible.