Picture: Shutterstock UK news publishers have warned the Government against “extremely concerning” proposals to reduce the cost ceiling for processing Freedom of Information requests. The News Media Association (NMA), which represents the UK’s national and regional news businesses, has requested “clarity” from the Government on its intentions following Financial Times reporting that restrictions on FOI requests are being considered. The FT cited a steep rise in the number of annual FOI submissions (up 18% year on year to more than 83,000 in 2024) and constrained Government budgets as reasons for the move being considered. Currently central government can reject FOI requests on cost grounds if it is deemed a response will cost more than £600 to gather. The limit for other public authorities is set at £450. Staff time is charged at £25 an hour. In a letter to the Government, NMA chief executive Owen Meredith said reducing the cost threshold would expand the discretion of public authorities to refuse requests in a “highly concerning way”. “It is not routine or trivial requests that would …