Greenwich Council is grappling with a significant surge in Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests, placing increasing pressure on its resources. The Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel was scheduled to discuss this escalating issue at a meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
A report presented to the panel revealed a substantial 27% increase in FOI and EIR requests between 2024 and 2025. This surge has consequently led to a decline in the proportion of requests answered within statutory deadlines. For FOI requests, this figure dropped from 85% in 2024 to 80% in 2025, while EIR requests saw a more dramatic fall from 77% to 61%.
The report identified the Housing and Safer Communities (HSC) and Communities, Environment, and Central (CEC) directorates as bearing the brunt of this pressure. HSC received the highest volume of requests in 2025, and CEC experienced a notable rise in complex environmental queries. This increased volume and complexity have also fuelled a rise in internal reviews, jumping from 46 in 2024 to 96 in 2025.
Furthermore, the council has observed an uptick in complaints lodged with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), primarily concerning missed statutory deadlines. The ICO has expressed its concerns, prompting the council to implement measures to address these shortcomings.
Several factors are contributing to the growing volume and complexity of these requests. Requesters are increasingly utilising AI tools to generate lengthy and often ambiguous queries. These AI-generated requests can include unclear questions and cite incorrectly applied or non-existent legislation or case law. Officers are actively monitoring the use of AI in these areas to develop guidance for staff.
Another contributing factor is the rise of individuals advancing 'Freemen on the Land' arguments. These individuals challenge the fundamental validity of the council, including its authority to levy Council Tax and issue fines. They also exploit FOI, EIR, and Subject Access Requests to further their arguments. In response, the council is preparing information for its website to clarify that these arguments are unfounded and to provide common information sought by such requesters, such as the legislative basis for Council Tax and the council's status as a local authority.
The council is also contending with a number of persistent complainants who are using access to information provisions to disrupt council operations, often with the aim of causing annoyance or targeting specific officers for abuse. An updated Policy on the Management of Unreasonable Complainants is being implemented to support the use of Section 14(2) exemptions for vexatiousness, by providing an evidence base to demonstrate a pattern of behaviour.
To improve timeliness and manage the increasing volumes, the council is focusing on reducing bottlenecks, particularly within Legal Services. This department has experienced demand-based delays in clearing exemptions and exceptions. To mitigate these delays, services are now directly applying some exemptions, such as Section 40(2) (third-party personal data), while the FOI and Data Protection teams are providing guidance for more straightforward exemptions. This approach aims to increase the capacity within Legal Services to concentrate on more sensitive or complex exemption clearances.
In an effort to proactively manage the demand, the council is exploring greater use of its Publication Scheme and Disclosure Log to make frequently sought information readily available. The full details of these challenges and proposed solutions can be found in the Public reports pack for the Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel meeting. Public reports pack 12th-Mar-2026 18.30 Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel
