States working to cut delays as FOI requests soar

The States of Guernsey is working to cut Freedom of information (FOI) response times as the number of requests has reached record levels.

New figures released under an FOI request show 164 were submitted in 2025, compared with 14 in 2014, and about 40% met the 20 working day response target.

Officials say requests have become more complex, often requiring input from multiple teams or legal advice which has increased the overall workload.

A spokesperson for the Policy & Resources Committee (P&R) said steps were being taken to reduce delays through changes to the way they are dealt with.

The number of requests in 2025 was the highest level recorded since Guernsey first introduced its Access to Public Information Code in 2013.

The code, renamed the Freedom of Information Code in 2021, commits the States to publishing information in response to requests unless confidentiality is required.

The island's Scrutiny Committee announced plans in January to bring forward plans for new legal powers to compel compliance to rulings by the FOI appeals panel.

P&R said there has been a "noticeable shift in complexity" alongside the increase in volume since the code was introduced.

It said a "significant proportion" of requests were more complex, requiring "considerable time to collate information" and in some cases obtain legal advice.

It added that while the exact amount of time it took staff to manage requests was not collected, it was "evident that the overall resource requirement increased substantially".

Despite this additional pressure, the mean response time improved, falling from 44 working days in 2024 to 34 in 2025.

Only 42% of requests in 2024 and 41% in 2025 were answered within the required 20‑working‑day target, far below the 90% compliance rate set out in the code.

P&R said it planned to reduce response times through "strengthened internal processes, enhanced monitoring of requests, and a more consistent focus on early engagement with requesters".

The States currently reports on meeting the 20 day FOI deadline every quarter, but plans to broaden this by publishing annual, organisation‑wide performance data.

It said this could include a more "nuanced assessment" of how the code is applied, such as the use of "exemptions" and how well the appeals process works.

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