MP TOM Brake has condemned Government plans to restrict freedom of information (FOI) legislation.

The Carshalton and Wallington MP criticised the Conservative Government for what he called a “lack of willingness to disclose documents to the public.”

Mr Brake also pushed for FOI to cover private companies, social enterprises, charities contracted to carry out work for public authorities and the royal family.

He claims that if successful it would benefit residents by making train companies more transparent.

It comes after fears last year the legislation would be watered down with proposed restrictions including a chargeable fee for a request.

During a Commons debate in October, Epsom and Ewell MP Chris Grayling said: “FOI is, on occasion, misused by those who use it as, effectively, a research tool to generate stories for the media, and that is not acceptable.”

The Carshalton and Wallington MP said, “Freedom of Information legislation is critical.

“It holds our central and local Government officials accountable, and provides an opportunity for the public to know exactly where their tax money is going.”