Fees for FoI requests

This Note sets out the legal position on charging fees for Freedom of Information requests. Requests can be refused if the cost of answering them exceeds the cost limits of £600 for central government and £450 for other public bodies. The Labour Government conducted a review of the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004 in 2007 but eventually decided against any change. The Coalition Government have indicated in response to the Justice Select Committee post-legislative review of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 that they are minded to amend the Fees Regulations, but no formal consultation has yet been announced.