https://foiwiki.com/foiwiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=93.174.93.233&feedformat=atomFOIwiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-29T04:47:08ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.39.3https://foiwiki.com/foiwiki/index.php?title=Freedom_of_Information_Act_2000&diff=2821Freedom of Information Act 20002009-06-09T20:06:16Z<p>93.174.93.233: /* Introduction */</p>
<hr />
<div>map.txt;10;15<br />
<br />
== Name and Address ==<br />
<br />
* You don't need to provide a real name, a [[pseudonym]] is acceptable. <br />
* The ICO state that a [[pseudonym]] does not automatically result in a request being [[vexatious]]. <br />
* You need to provide "an address for correspondence". This means that either an email address OR a physical address is required.<br />
* The ICO have [http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/1640/response/2964/attach/3/20080806100741260.pdf confirmed this recently], in response to correspondence with [http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/body/rother_district_council Rother District Council] who originally insisted on a physical address being provided for all FOI requests.<br />
<br />
== How to make a request ==<br />
<br />
Any person can make a request under the Act - there are no restrictions on your age, nationality, or where you live.<br />
<br />
All you have to do is write to (or email) the public authority that you think holds the information you want. You should make sure that you include:<br />
<br />
* your name & and address where you can be contacted<br />
* a description of the information that you want<br />
<br />
You can make a request to public authorities using the [http://www.whatdotheyknow.com WhatDoTheyKnow] web site, the site lists over 2,000 UK public authorities.<br />
<br />
== Timelines ==<br />
<br />
Public authorities have 20 working days to send you the information you've requested. There are a few rules and exemptions to this:<br />
<br />
* The clock starts the working day after you make your request. If you request on a Friday, the clock starts from Monday.<br />
* The authority should reply back to you within 20 working days<br />
* UK Bank Holidays are excluded from the working day calculation<br />
* If the authority needs to clarify your request, the 20-day clock won't start until they have received the full clarifications they need to identify and locate the information.<br />
* If the authority needs to charge fees to retrieve information, the 20-day clock stops when they tell you this, and won't start again until the cheque you've sent has cleared<br />
* The authority can "reasonably" extend the time required, eg to consult third parties, or to apply a [[Public Interest Test]]. If they do this, they should send you a Section 17 Refusal Notice.<br />
* There are a few other special cases where they can extend the deadlines:<br />
{{Quote box<br />
| quote = Special cases - Section 10(4) of the Act provides for an extension to the 20 working days timescale, up to 60 working days, to be made by statutory instrument. So far, four cases have been identified for such treatment:<br />
::* to deal with school holidays, since the school will not be staffed at that time;<br />
::* when frontline units of the armed forces are impossible to reach for operational reasons;<br />
::* if a public authority needs to consult posts, governments or companies abroad to obtain information; and<br />
::* when the National Archives need to determine whether requested information in a transferred public record that has not been designated as open information is exempt, or whether the duty to confirm or deny is excluded under Part II.<br />
| width = 80%<br />
| align = center<br />
| halign = left | source = [http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/foi-procedural-time.htm MoJ Guidance].<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Part I==<br />
<br />
*[[FOIA_Section_6|Section 6]]<br />
<br />
== Exemptions guidance ==<br />
<br />
The table below shows the FOIA exemptions, including whether they are [[absolute exemptions]] or qualified exemptions subject to a [[Public Interest Test]].<br />
<br />
{| border="1" <br />
! Exemption<br />
! absolute / qualified<br />
! MoJ guidance<br />
! ICO guidance<br />
|-<br />
|[[FOIA_Section_12_Exemption|Section 12]]: Exemption where cost of compliance exceeds appropriate limit<br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/foi-step-by-step-fees.htm link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/practical_application/usingthefeesregulations.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[FOIA_Section_21_Exemption|Section 21]]: Information Accessible By Other Means <br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s21.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_6_-_information_reasonably_accessible_to_the_applicant_by_other_means.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section22|Section 22]]: Information Intended For Future Publication <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s22.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_7_-_information_intended_for_future_publication.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section23|Section 23]]: Information Supplied by, or Related to, Bodies Dealing with Security Matters <br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s23.pdf link]<br />
|N/A<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section24|Section 24]]: National Security <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s24.pdf link]<br />
|N/A<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section26|Section 26]]: Defence<br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s26.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_10_-_the_defense_exemption.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section27|Section 27]]: International Relations <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s27.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_14_-_international_relations.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section28|Section 28]]: Relations Within The United Kingdom <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s28.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/relationswithintheuk.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section29|Section 29]]: The Economy <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s29.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/theeconomy.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section30|Section 30]]: Investigations And Proceedings Conducted By Public Authorities <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s30.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/section_30_investigations_13_oct_06.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section31|Section 31]]: Law Enforcement <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s31.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/section_31_law_enforcement_13_oct_06_v2.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section32|Section 32]]: Court Records <br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s32.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_9_info_contained_in_court_records.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section33|Section 33]]: Audit Functions <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s33.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_18_-_public_audit.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section34|Section 34]]: Parliamentary Privilege <br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s34.pdf link]<br />
|N/A<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section35|Section 35]]: Formulation Of Government Policy <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s35.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/formulationofgovernmentpolicy.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section36|Section 36]]: Prejudice to Effective Conduct of Public Affairs <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s36.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/effectiveconductofpublic%20affairs.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section37|Section 37]]: Communications With Her Majesty, With Other Members Of The Royal Household, And The Conferring By The Crown Of Any Honour Or Dignity <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s37.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_26_-_communications_with_her_majesty_and_the_awarding_of_honours.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section38|Section 38]]: Health And Safety <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s38.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_19_-_health_and_safety.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section39|Section 39]]: Environmental Information <br />
|Qualified - EIR applies, and all EIR exemptions are subject to a PIT<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s39.pdf link]<br />
|N/A<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section40|Section 40]]: Personal Information <br />
|For 3rd party info - neither - depends on 'fairness' test of DPA. For own information, this is an absolute exemption<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s40.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/personal_information.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section41|Section 41]]: Information Provided In Confidence <br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s41.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/confidentialinformation_v4.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section42|Section 42]]: Legal Professional Privilege <br />
|Qualified <br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s42.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/legal_professional_privilege.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section43|Section 43]]: Commercial Interests <br />
|Qualified <br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s43.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_5_v3_07_03_08.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section44|Section 44]]: Prohibitions On Disclosure<br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s44.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_27_-_prohibitions_on_disclosure.pdf link]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Who is subject to the Freedom of Information Act? ==<br />
<br />
*[[Which organisations are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000?]]<br />
<br />
*[[FOIA Schedule I - Public Authorities]]<br />
<br />
== Publication Schemes + ICO / Information Tribunal guidance ==<br />
*[[How publication schemes could be improved]]<br />
*[[ICO FOI guidance and decisions by subject]]<br />
<br />
==How the Act came about==<br />
<br />
Main article: [[History of the Freedom of Information Act 2000]]<br />
<br />
The Labour Party's 1997 manifesto contained the following commitment: "Unnecessary secrecy in government leads to arrogance in government and defective policy decisions. The Scott Report on arms to Iraq revealed Conservative abuses of power. We are pledged to a Freedom of Information Act, leading to more open government, and an independent National Statistical Service."<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/plain/ukpga_20000036_en Freedom Of Information Act - legislation as originally enacted]<br />
* [http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?LegType=All+Primary&PageNumber=7&BrowseLetter=F&NavFrom=1&activeTextDocId=1876329&parentActiveTextDocId=1876329&showAllAttributes=0&showProsp=0&suppressWarning=0&hideCommentary=1 Freedom Of Information Act - current text of legislation]<br />
* [http://www.dca.gov.uk/foi/reference/legislation.htm Department of Constitutional Affairs compendium of FOI legislation]</div>93.174.93.233https://foiwiki.com/foiwiki/index.php?title=Freedom_of_Information_Act_2000&diff=2819Freedom of Information Act 20002009-06-09T16:37:06Z<p>93.174.93.233: /* Introduction */</p>
<hr />
<div>map.txt;10;15<br />
<br />
== Name and Address ==<br />
<br />
* You don't need to provide a real name, a [[pseudonym]] is acceptable. <br />
* The ICO state that a [[pseudonym]] does not automatically result in a request being [[vexatious]]. <br />
* You need to provide "an address for correspondence". This means that either an email address OR a physical address is required.<br />
* The ICO have [http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/1640/response/2964/attach/3/20080806100741260.pdf confirmed this recently], in response to correspondence with [http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/body/rother_district_council Rother District Council] who originally insisted on a physical address being provided for all FOI requests.<br />
<br />
== How to make a request ==<br />
<br />
Any person can make a request under the Act - there are no restrictions on your age, nationality, or where you live.<br />
<br />
All you have to do is write to (or email) the public authority that you think holds the information you want. You should make sure that you include:<br />
<br />
* your name & and address where you can be contacted<br />
* a description of the information that you want<br />
<br />
You can make a request to public authorities using the [http://www.whatdotheyknow.com WhatDoTheyKnow] web site, the site lists over 2,000 UK public authorities.<br />
<br />
== Timelines ==<br />
<br />
Public authorities have 20 working days to send you the information you've requested. There are a few rules and exemptions to this:<br />
<br />
* The clock starts the working day after you make your request. If you request on a Friday, the clock starts from Monday.<br />
* The authority should reply back to you within 20 working days<br />
* UK Bank Holidays are excluded from the working day calculation<br />
* If the authority needs to clarify your request, the 20-day clock won't start until they have received the full clarifications they need to identify and locate the information.<br />
* If the authority needs to charge fees to retrieve information, the 20-day clock stops when they tell you this, and won't start again until the cheque you've sent has cleared<br />
* The authority can "reasonably" extend the time required, eg to consult third parties, or to apply a [[Public Interest Test]]. If they do this, they should send you a Section 17 Refusal Notice.<br />
* There are a few other special cases where they can extend the deadlines:<br />
{{Quote box<br />
| quote = Special cases - Section 10(4) of the Act provides for an extension to the 20 working days timescale, up to 60 working days, to be made by statutory instrument. So far, four cases have been identified for such treatment:<br />
::* to deal with school holidays, since the school will not be staffed at that time;<br />
::* when frontline units of the armed forces are impossible to reach for operational reasons;<br />
::* if a public authority needs to consult posts, governments or companies abroad to obtain information; and<br />
::* when the National Archives need to determine whether requested information in a transferred public record that has not been designated as open information is exempt, or whether the duty to confirm or deny is excluded under Part II.<br />
| width = 80%<br />
| align = center<br />
| halign = left | source = [http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/foi-procedural-time.htm MoJ Guidance].<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Part I==<br />
<br />
*[[FOIA_Section_6|Section 6]]<br />
<br />
== Exemptions guidance ==<br />
<br />
The table below shows the FOIA exemptions, including whether they are [[absolute exemptions]] or qualified exemptions subject to a [[Public Interest Test]].<br />
<br />
{| border="1" <br />
! Exemption<br />
! absolute / qualified<br />
! MoJ guidance<br />
! ICO guidance<br />
|-<br />
|[[FOIA_Section_12_Exemption|Section 12]]: Exemption where cost of compliance exceeds appropriate limit<br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/foi-step-by-step-fees.htm link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/practical_application/usingthefeesregulations.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[FOIA_Section_21_Exemption|Section 21]]: Information Accessible By Other Means <br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s21.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_6_-_information_reasonably_accessible_to_the_applicant_by_other_means.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section22|Section 22]]: Information Intended For Future Publication <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s22.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_7_-_information_intended_for_future_publication.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section23|Section 23]]: Information Supplied by, or Related to, Bodies Dealing with Security Matters <br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s23.pdf link]<br />
|N/A<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section24|Section 24]]: National Security <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s24.pdf link]<br />
|N/A<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section26|Section 26]]: Defence<br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s26.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_10_-_the_defense_exemption.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section27|Section 27]]: International Relations <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s27.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_14_-_international_relations.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section28|Section 28]]: Relations Within The United Kingdom <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s28.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/relationswithintheuk.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section29|Section 29]]: The Economy <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s29.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/theeconomy.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section30|Section 30]]: Investigations And Proceedings Conducted By Public Authorities <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s30.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/section_30_investigations_13_oct_06.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section31|Section 31]]: Law Enforcement <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s31.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/section_31_law_enforcement_13_oct_06_v2.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section32|Section 32]]: Court Records <br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s32.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_9_info_contained_in_court_records.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section33|Section 33]]: Audit Functions <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s33.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_18_-_public_audit.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section34|Section 34]]: Parliamentary Privilege <br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s34.pdf link]<br />
|N/A<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section35|Section 35]]: Formulation Of Government Policy <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s35.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/formulationofgovernmentpolicy.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section36|Section 36]]: Prejudice to Effective Conduct of Public Affairs <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s36.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/effectiveconductofpublic%20affairs.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section37|Section 37]]: Communications With Her Majesty, With Other Members Of The Royal Household, And The Conferring By The Crown Of Any Honour Or Dignity <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s37.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_26_-_communications_with_her_majesty_and_the_awarding_of_honours.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section38|Section 38]]: Health And Safety <br />
|Qualified<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s38.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_19_-_health_and_safety.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section39|Section 39]]: Environmental Information <br />
|Qualified - EIR applies, and all EIR exemptions are subject to a PIT<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s39.pdf link]<br />
|N/A<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section40|Section 40]]: Personal Information <br />
|For 3rd party info - neither - depends on 'fairness' test of DPA. For own information, this is an absolute exemption<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s40.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/personal_information.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section41|Section 41]]: Information Provided In Confidence <br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s41.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/confidentialinformation_v4.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section42|Section 42]]: Legal Professional Privilege <br />
|Qualified <br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s42.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/legal_professional_privilege.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section43|Section 43]]: Commercial Interests <br />
|Qualified <br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s43.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_5_v3_07_03_08.pdf link]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Section44|Section 44]]: Prohibitions On Disclosure<br />
|Absolute<br />
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s44.pdf link]<br />
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_27_-_prohibitions_on_disclosure.pdf link]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Who is subject to the Freedom of Information Act? ==<br />
<br />
*[[Which organisations are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000?]]<br />
<br />
*[[FOIA Schedule I - Public Authorities]]<br />
<br />
== Publication Schemes + ICO / Information Tribunal guidance ==<br />
*[[How publication schemes could be improved]]<br />
*[[ICO FOI guidance and decisions by subject]]<br />
<br />
==How the Act came about==<br />
<br />
Main article: [[History of the Freedom of Information Act 2000]]<br />
<br />
The Labour Party's 1997 manifesto contained the following commitment: "Unnecessary secrecy in government leads to arrogance in government and defective policy decisions. The Scott Report on arms to Iraq revealed Conservative abuses of power. We are pledged to a Freedom of Information Act, leading to more open government, and an independent National Statistical Service."<br />
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== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/plain/ukpga_20000036_en Freedom Of Information Act - legislation as originally enacted]<br />
* [http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?LegType=All+Primary&PageNumber=7&BrowseLetter=F&NavFrom=1&activeTextDocId=1876329&parentActiveTextDocId=1876329&showAllAttributes=0&showProsp=0&suppressWarning=0&hideCommentary=1 Freedom Of Information Act - current text of legislation]<br />
* [http://www.dca.gov.uk/foi/reference/legislation.htm Department of Constitutional Affairs compendium of FOI legislation]</div>93.174.93.233