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Freedom of Information act summary
summary
frequently asked questions
publication scheme
making a request
exemptions
number of requests
disclosure log
- The Act can be described as ‘making a provision for the disclosure of information held by Public Authorities or by persons providing services for them’.
- It therefore gives members of the Public a general right of access to information held by Public Authorities, such as Government Departments, local authorities, the NHS, educational institutions, the Police and other bodies who exercise a public function.
- The Act was passed by Parliament on 30th November 2000, but was implemented in stages. Initially all Public Authorities had to adopt a Publication Scheme, which outlined in classes the types of information available upon request, which media it could be provided in, who to contact and any costs involved.
- As from 1st January 2005, there is a general right of access, where members of the Public can make a request for any information held by a Public Authority (the information does not necessarily have to be mentioned in the Publication Scheme).
- All requests must be made in writing (this includes email messages).
- The Public Authority has twenty working days to respond to the request.
- Where possible information will be provided free of charge, although charges may be made to cover costs incurred to provide the information.
- There are several exemptions under the Act, which may result in information not being provided as part of requests. Where this is the case, the person requesting the information will be informed which exemption applies.
- The independent body with the responsibility for the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (as well as the Data Protection Act 1998), is the Information Commissioner.