I asked the Commons for details of MPs’ Additional Cost Allowance claims in January 2005, only days after FoI took effect. It has taken the Information Commissioner two years to reach his decision. I broke the news of his ruling on the Telegraph website at around midday on 15.6.07, before tipping off PA.

The Commissioner’s judgement is a partial victory for freedom of information. Publishing a breakdown of MPs’ Additional Cost Allowance claims into categories will improve openness, but I fear it may not be enough to allow voters to spot ill-founded claims. I’d have liked to see the release of actual receipts, as happens in Scotland.

I’m also concerned that ICO officials spent so long in negotiations with Commons officials. Is this why there’s now a backlog of more than 12 months in considering new FoI complaints?

Furthermore, like Heather Brooke, I’m a bit unhappy about the mechanics of publication of Decision Notices. It isn’t my main concern, but let’s be honest, it is of importance to working journalists.

I’ve writted to the Commissioner to raise these various points.

Ben Leapman, Home Affairs Correspondent, The Sunday Telegraph