Freedom of Information (FOI) requests
Councils are grappling with a surge in Freedom of Information requests, impacting response times and resources, with new legislation also influencing inquiries.
Greenwich Council saw a 27% increase in Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests between 2024 and 2025, leading to a decline in response times, a report to the Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel revealed in March 2026. For FOI requests, the proportion answered within statutory deadlines dropped from 85% in 2024 to 80% in 2025.
Bexley Council's Finance & Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee also discussed an increase in FOI inquiries in March 2026. Councillor Mrs June Slaughter MBE raised questions regarding this increase, following discussions about the Procurement Act 2023. This new legislation mandates advertising procurements over £30,000, which has led to more suppliers inquiring about tenders.
Key facts
- Bexley Council's Finance & Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed an increase in FOI inquiries in March 2026. Source
- The Procurement Act 2023 mandates advertising all procurements over £30,000. Source
- Greenwich Council saw a 27% increase in FOI and EIR requests between 2024 and 2025. Source
- The proportion of FOI requests answered within statutory deadlines by Greenwich Council dropped from 85% in 2024 to 80% in 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.