Freedom of Information Act 2000

Summary

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives the public a general right of access to information held by public authorities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (and UK-wide public authorities). Public authorities must publish information proactively (publication schemes) and respond to individual requests within 20 working days, subject to exemptions protecting national security, personal data, commercial interests, and policy formulation.

Key Points

• General right of access to information held by public authorities (s.1)
• Duty to confirm or deny whether information is held (s.1(1)(a))
• 20 working day response deadline (s.10)
• Publication schemes — proactive disclosure (s.19)
• Absolute exemptions: court records, parliamentary privilege, personal data (Part II)
• Qualified exemptions: commercial interests, policy formulation — subject to public interest test
• Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) enforcement powers (Part IV)
• Appeals to Information Tribunal (s.57)

Parts & Sections

Amendments History