UK Councils Under Scrutiny Over FOI Delays and Senior Appointment

Brighton & Hove City Council faced criticism after Freedom of Information (FoI) response rates fell to 74.2% in the first quarter of 2025‑26, below the Information Commissioner’s 90% benchmark. Opposition leader Steve Davis highlighted staff nervousness and pressure to withhold information, calling for a cultural shift toward openness.

In Bolton, councillors delayed the approval of a £151,000‑a‑year two‑year fixed‑term assistant director for transformation within children’s services, citing a lack of transparency in the recruitment process. Chief Executive Sue Johnson apologized for insufficient consultation, while Conservative leader Nadim Muslim described the handling as “difficult to comprehend.” The appointed role, funded by central government, will oversee a restructuring of early‑help and social‑care teams under the council’s “Prevention Agenda.”