‘Orwellian’ government unit accused of blocking FoI requests to be replaced

Clearing house had been criticised for its lack of transparency and its powers to control information

An Orwellian" unit that was accused of obstructing the release of material requested by the public under the Freedom of Information Act is to be replaced, the government has announced.

The Cabinet Office clearing house, which circulates details of certain FoI requests by journalists, campaigners and others around Whitehall and also advises on how to respond to them, is to be replaced by a freedom of information centre of excellence".