Information Rights User Group

Minutes from the eighth Information Rights User Group meeting held on 12th December 2007 have been published by the Ministry of Justice.

Some members of the User Group raised concerns about delays caused by the use of public interest extensions by public authorities to extend the time available for responding to requests. The Ministry of Justice will be collecting statistical information for it’s next annual report on the use of the public interest extension by monitored bodies. This will be used along with specific examples that the group agreed to supply to assist officials in assessing whether there is a problem with improper use of the extension provision, the extent of the problem and how to address it.

The Ministry of Justice noted points made about the adequacy of funding to maintain current performance levels in the Information Commissioner’s Office and undertook to respond to the Commissioner on the issue by Christmas.