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Freedom of Information fast track

29 March 2023
Issue: 8019 / Categories: Legal News , Freedom of Information
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The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is to prioritise complaints made under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) where there is significant public interest. 

John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner, said: ‘We have been looking at ways to improve our FOI services, including making better choices to ensure we are delivering timely outcomes.’

Following consultation last year, the ICO has clarified its public interest criteria, for example, if the issue is likely to involve large amounts of public money, or the information may significantly impact vulnerable groups. The ICO will aim to allocate priority cases within four weeks and fast-track 15-20% of its caseload. 

Issue: 8019 / Categories: Legal News , Freedom of Information
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
The Court of Protection has ruled in Macpherson v Sunderland City Council that capacity must be presumed unless clearly rebutted. In this week's NLJ, Sam Karim KC and Sophie Hurst of Kings Chambers dissect the judgment and set out practical guidance for advisers faced with issues relating to retrospective capacity and/or assessments without an examination
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
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