Skip to main content
The Morning Star Shop
Transparency watchdog ‘blunted’ by staff shortage
PHIL MILLER reveals how staff shortages at the Information Commissioner’s Office are placing the public’s ‘right to know’ in jeopardy
A quarter of the total backlog at the Information Commissioner's Office relates to complaints about the Police Service of Northern Ireland

BRITAIN’S transparency watchdog is so short-staffed that the public’s “right to know” is under threat, experts have told the Morning Star.

Their stark warning is the latest development in our investigation into the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which we revealed last month has just two staff at its Belfast bureau.

The stressed-out pair have to handle complaints about freedom of information (FOI) requests that have been rejected by scores of public bodies across Northern Ireland.

More troubles

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
File photo dated 27/03/23 of former prime minister Sir Tony Blair during an interview
Features / 7 October 2025
7 October 2025

JOHN GREEN has doubts about the efficacy of the Freedom of Information Act, once trumpeted by Tony Blair

IS
Album reviews / 19 May 2025
19 May 2025

New releases from Robert Forster, Self Esteem, and Arve Henriksen

round up
Cinema / 1 May 2025
1 May 2025

Borrowed Time: Lennon’s Last Decade, Parthenope, Where Dragons Live and Thunderbolts* reviewed by MICHAL BONCZA and MARIA DUARTE

IS albums
Album reviews / 21 April 2025
21 April 2025

New releases from Brown Horse, Craig Finn, and Julien Baker & TORRES