"The Government is already considering curbing Freedom of Information (FOI) laws barely a year and a half after they came into force, it was reported.

A leaked cabinet paper reveals plans to block "the most difficult requests" made by the public to Whitehall departments.

It apparently suggests that a flat rate fee could be charged which would have a "deterrent effect" and "inhibit serial requesters"."


http://news.uk.msn.com/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=713287

This was always on the cards - as soon as people realised that they can effectively 'protest' by using the FoI Act to cause severe disruption to civil servants lives (as well as us taxpayers having to pay for it!!).
FoI is a double-edged sword.