FOIA pressures spark calls for reform

FOIA pressures spark calls for reform

Originally published in Freedom of Information, Volume 22, Issue 3

January 20, 2026

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

Public authorities continue to face rising numbers of FOIA and EIR requests, while outdated systems, constrained budgets and growing requester expectations, including large volumes of AI‑generated demands, are making timely responses increasingly challenging.

The increasing complexity and volume of requests is contributing to growing backlogs at the ICO and the First‑Tier Tribunal. In response, Liz Fitzsimons raises key questions about whether aspects of the FOIA regime should be reconsidered, including the scope of permissible requests, unrestricted appeal rights, who should be entitled to make requests and how transparency obligations interact with national security concerns.

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