asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have made an estimate of (a) the change in the number of complaints likely to be made to the Information Commissioner as a result of the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2007, if implemented; and (b) the effect of those complaints on the Information Commissioner's ability to deal with the existing backlog of complaints. [HL2127]
The partial regulatory impact assessment published on 14 December 2006 as part of the consultation on the draft Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2007 recognises that in the immediate aftermath of the changes there will be an increase in the number of appeals against the application of the fee regulations leading to an increase in associated costs. It is impossible to say with any certainty how significant these costs might be. It is reasonable to assume that the increase will be confined to the immediate aftermath of the changes. The publication of detailed guidance on the new regulations, together with the provision of appropriate advice and assistance by public authorities, will reduce the impact on the Information Commissioner.
The Information Commissioner is considering the impact of the changes on his office and we will discuss this with him as part of the consultation process.