Access to information laws

Main laws for accessing information

The following sections are the various laws that apply to FOI requests. Each section contains more details on process and exemption guidance:

England, Wales & Northern Ireland:

• Freedom of Information Act 2000
• Environmental Information Regulations 2004

Scotland

• Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
• Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004

United Kingdom

• Data Protection Act 1998

Joint North/South Bodies (Northern Ireland / Republic of Ireland)

• North/South Bodies Freedom of Information Code of Practice

Other laws giving rights to information

These lists are not exhaustive.

Local Authorities

• Community Health Councils (Access to Information) Act 1988
• Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960
• Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985
• The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000 (No. 3272)
• The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2002 (No. 716)

Other

• Adoption Act 1976
• Coal Industry Act 1994 s57
• Medical Records 1988
• Radioactive Substances Act 1993 s39