ISLANDERS are being invited to give their views on whether Jersey’s freedom-of-information law should be extended to cover organisations that receive “significant” public funding.
Public bodies, charities, and businesses that could be covered by the extension are invited to share what challenges, exemptions or support may be needed if the law is extended.
A consultation opened yesterday to coincide with the publication of a report setting out progress of a review of the Island’s freedom-of-information legislation.
The report set out plans for the government to identify high-demand information – including crime statistics, hospital staffing, housing and migration figures – for regular publication to reduce the need for repeated freedom-of-information requests.
The aim of the public consultation is to assess the impact of on widening the law to more public bodies.
It also asks whether the amount of public funding an organisation receives should influence its freedom-of-information obligations.
Assistant Chief Minister Malcolm Ferey said: “I would like to consult with the public and local organisations to understand their views.”
“While the law has been recognised for improving openness, it has also faced criticism for not covering all public bodies.
“The purpose of this consultation, and accompanying review, is to examine the law with a view to supporting transparency and promoting a strong ‘right to know’ across the public sector, while also managing the cost implications to the public.”
The consultation is open until Monday 10 November 2025.
