Freedom of information
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives you the right to obtain information held by public authorities unless there are good reasons to keep it confidential.
The basics
The Freedom of Information Act deals with access to official information and gives individuals or organisations the right to request information from any public authority.
Your right to know
The Freedom of Information Act gives you the right to request information held by public authorities, companies wholly owned by public authorities in England , Wales and Northern Ireland and non-devolved public bodies in Scotland.
Your legal obligations
All public authorities and companies wholly owned by public authorities have obligations under the Freedom of Information Act. When responding to requests, they have to follow a number of set procedures.
Important to know
Freedom of Information does not extend to the provision of personal information. Such requests will continue to be handled under the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.
How to make a request
Your request for information must:
- be in writing
- be in permanent form (including email and fax)
- give your name for reply
- give an address for correspondence (an email address would be acceptable)
- describe the information requested as far as possible you can.
