'Voluminous' FoI reveals how States works with local media

The article highlights a significant tension between governmental transparency commitments and administrative efficiency when handling freedom of information requests. Although the government initially considered rejecting a voluminous media enquiry under exemption clauses, it chose to disclose data to balance this right against operational burdens. This decision underscores the complex challenge public bodies face in maintaining open access while managing limited resources, demonstrating that the presumption of disclosure often overrides claims of excessive workload even when requests are substantial. The released data reveals a declining trend in media enquiries while proactive government communications remain steady, with high compliance rates regarding internal response targets. However, the refusal to record specific metrics like average response times or unanswered requests exposes gaps in accountability. By prioritizing "meaningful data" for key performance indicators over comprehensive historical tracking, the government limits the depth of public scrutiny. This selective record-keeping suggests that while basic service levels are monitored, detailed transparency regarding the quality and completeness of information release remains restricted, potentially hindering a full understanding of systemic delays or silences. This situation is crucial for open data advocacy because it illustrates how bureaucratic definitions of "efficiency" can curtail the granularity of accessible information. The case demonstrates that mere disclosure of aggregated figures is insufficient for true transparency if underlying processes and detailed performance metrics are obscured by claims of resource constraints. For journalists and the public, understanding the distinction between proactive announcements and reactive enquiry handling is vital. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that open data initiatives must challenge not just the availability of information, but also the standards and comprehensiveness of the data recorded and published by public authorities.

Source: guernseypress.com
Published on 2026-10-09

'Voluminous' FoI reveals how States works with local media

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