A Liverpool resident has waited four years for a response to a simple information request, highlighting a systemic issue at the city council that has now drawn a formal warning from the UK's information watchdog. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has cautioned Liverpool City Council that it could face contempt of court proceedings if it fails to address a significant backlog of Freedom of Information requests.
The council, which receives approximately 1,500 such requests annually, has acknowledged its shortcomings despite recent investments aimed at improving the service. For residents seeking transparency, the delays represent a fundamental breakdown in public accountability.
Key Takeaways
- A Liverpool resident waited four years for a response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request about library funding.
- The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has warned Liverpool City Council it could be found in contempt of court over its backlog of requests.
- The council is legally required to respond to most FOI requests within 20 working days.
- Residents describe the delays as a "lack of accountability" and have expressed frustration over accessing public information.
- The council has invested over £250,000 to improve the service but admits it has not been enough to resolve the issue.
A Four-Year Wait for Answers
For Kevin Robinson-Hale, a simple question about funding for repairs at Everton library—the place where he learned to read as a child—has turned into a four-year ordeal. He submitted his Freedom of Information (FOI) request in 2021, expecting a response within the legally mandated 20 working days.
That deadline came and went. Despite his efforts to follow up, the silence from the council continued. "I chased it for about 18 months - going to the council asking for an internal review and then they never got back to me," Mr. Robinson-Hale explained.
The passage of time was starkly highlighted when a social media memory reminded him of the request's four-year anniversary. He marked the occasion with a tongue-in-cheek post on X, formerly Twitter, featuring a birthday card for his unanswered query.
"I think it's a lack of scrutiny and lack of accountability, because it's questions sometimes that they don't seem to want to answer," he stated.
Mr. Robinson-Hale sees the recent intervention from the ICO as a necessary step. "I think it's long overdue," he added, underscoring the importance of the public's right to access information held by authorities.
What is the Freedom of Information Act?
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 provides public access to information held by public authorities. It obliges public bodies like city councils to publish certain information about their activities and allows members of the public to request information. Under the Act, authorities must respond to requests within 20 working days, though this can be extended in certain complex cases.
A Widespread Problem of Transparency
Mr. Robinson-Hale's experience is not an isolated incident. Other residents have reported similar frustrations when trying to hold the council to account. Ed Gommon encountered significant delays while seeking information about property deals in the Toxteth and Dingle areas of the city. In one case, it took a full year to receive the information he had requested.
His frustration points to a core principle of democratic governance. "Transparency is not an optional extra in democracy," Mr. Gommon asserted, capturing the sentiment of many who rely on the FOI process to scrutinize the actions of their elected officials and public bodies.
The ability for citizens to ask questions and receive timely answers is a cornerstone of public trust. When that process fails, it can lead to a perception that authorities are avoiding difficult questions or operating without sufficient oversight.
The Role of the Information Commissioner's Office
The ICO is the UK's independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest. When a public body fails to comply with the FOI Act, individuals can complain to the ICO. The office can issue decision notices, enforcement notices, and, in serious cases of non-compliance, can apply to the High Court, which may find the authority in contempt of court—a charge that can carry significant penalties.
Council Admits Failings Despite Investment
Liverpool City Council has been under pressure from the ICO to clear its backlog of overdue requests. The recent warning of potential court action represents a significant escalation in that pressure.
The council's director of law and governance, Iolanda Puzio, acknowledged the authority's failings. She confirmed that a number of steps have been taken over the past two years to address the criticisms raised by the ICO. These measures included a substantial investment of more than £250,000 to increase resources within the department responsible for handling FOI requests.
However, Ms. Puzio conceded that this investment has not been sufficient to solve the problem. In a statement, she said the situation "should not be allowed to develop again," indicating the council's awareness of the severity of the issue and its commitment to improving its processes moving forward.
The challenge for the council now is to translate that commitment into tangible results for residents who simply want answers. The process of rebuilding trust requires not just investment, but a cultural shift towards prioritizing transparency and accountability.
The Value of Public Scrutiny
The delays at Liverpool City Council highlight the vital role that Freedom of Information requests play in a healthy democracy. For many, it is the primary tool for understanding how public money is spent and how decisions affecting their communities are made.
Mr. Robinson-Hale described the value of the FOI process as "massive." It empowers ordinary citizens, journalists, and campaign groups to uncover information that would otherwise remain hidden from public view. From local council spending to national policy decisions, FOI requests have been instrumental in bringing important stories to light.
As Liverpool City Council works to address its backlog under the watchful eye of the ICO, the experiences of its residents serve as a powerful reminder of why the principles of the Freedom of Information Act must be robustly defended and upheld.