In what circumstances would it be appropriate to charge for replying to Official Information Act requests made to their office, or agencies for which the Minister is responsible?

Answer

Sections 15(1A), 15(2) and 15(3) of the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) allow Government departments and others subject to the Act to fix a charge for the supply of official information. Any decisions the Ministry of Social Development make to charge a recipient for official information are made on a case-by-case basis in line with the Act, guidance from the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Ministry of Justice’s Charging Guidelines. • Ombudsman guidance: https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/resources/charging-guide-charging-official-information-under-oia-and-lgoima. • Ministry of Justice guidance: www.justice.govt.nz/about/official-information-act-requests/charging-guidelines-for-oia-requests/.