Freedom of Information Act 2000: Difference between revisions

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[[Legislation ID::ukpga/2000/36| ]]
== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==


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* The ICO state that a [[pseudonym]] does not automatically result in a request being [[vexatious]], and that Authorities should consider disclosing information to anonymous requesters.
* The ICO state that a [[pseudonym]] does not automatically result in a request being [[vexatious]], and that Authorities should consider disclosing information to anonymous requesters.
* You need to provide "an address for correspondence".  This means that either an email address OR a physical address is required.
* You need to provide "an address for correspondence".  This means that either an email address OR a physical address is required.
* 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.
* The ICO have [http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/1640/response/2964/attach/3/20080806100741260.pdf confirmed this], 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.


== How to make a request ==
== How to make a request ==
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You can make a request to public authorities using the [http://www.whatdotheyknow.com WhatDoTheyKnow] web site, the site lists over 3,000 UK public authorities.
You can make a request to public authorities using the [http://www.whatdotheyknow.com WhatDoTheyKnow] web site, the site lists over 3,000 UK public authorities.
== Timelines ==
Public authorities have 20 working days to send you the information you've requested.  There are a few rules and exemptions to this:
* The clock starts the working day after you make your request.  If you request on a Friday, the clock starts from Monday.
* The authority should reply back to you within 20 working days
* UK Bank Holidays are excluded from the working day calculation
* 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.
* 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
* 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.
* There are a few other special cases where they can extend the deadlines, specified by {{uksi|2004|3364}} and {{uksi|2009|1369}}:
{{Quote box
| 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:
::* to deal with school holidays, since the school will not be staffed at that time;
::* when frontline units of the armed forces are impossible to reach for operational reasons;
::* if a public authority needs to consult posts, governments or companies abroad to obtain information; and
::* 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.
| width  = 80%
| align  = center
| halign  = left | source = [http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/foi-procedural-time.htm MoJ Guidance].
}}


==Part I==
==Part I==
 
*[[FOIA_Section_4|Section 4]] & [[FOIA_Section_5|Section 5]] - Mechanisms for adding more public authorities to the Freedom of Information Act - see [[Letter to say more organisations should be covered by the Act|here]] for more details
*[[FOIA_Section_6|Section 6]] - Publicly-owned companies
*[[FOIA_Section_6|Section 6]] - Publicly-owned companies
*[[FOIA_Section_11|Section 11]] - s11 Means by which communication to be made
*[[Vexatious|Section 14]] - s14 Vexatious and repeated requests
*[[FOIA_Section_16|Section 16]] - s16 Duty to provide advice and assistance
*[[FOIA_Section_17|Section 17]] - s17 Refusal Notices
*[[FOIA_Section_19|Section 19]] - s19 Publication Schemes


== Exemptions guidance ==
== Exemptions guidance ==
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! Exemption
! Exemption
! absolute / qualified
! absolute / qualified
! prejuduce based/class based
! MoJ guidance
! MoJ guidance
! ICO guidance
! ICO guidance
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|[[FOIA_Section_12_Exemption|Section 12]]: Exemption where cost of compliance exceeds appropriate limit
|[[FOIA_Section_12_Exemption|Section 12]]: Exemption where cost of compliance exceeds appropriate limit
|Absolute
|Absolute
|N/A
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/foi-step-by-step-fees.htm link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/foi-step-by-step-fees.htm link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/practical_application/usingthefeesregulations.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/practical_application/usingthefeesregulations.pdf link]
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|[[FOIA_Section_21_Exemption|Section 21]]: Information Accessible By Other Means  
|[[FOIA_Section_21_Exemption|Section 21]]: Information Accessible By Other Means  
|Absolute
|Absolute
|N/A
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s21.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s21.pdf link]
|[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]
|[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]
|-
|-
|[[Section22|Section 22]]: Information Intended For Future Publication  
|[[FOIA_Section_22_Exemption|Section 22]]: Information Intended For Future Publication  
|Qualified
|Qualified
|Class
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s22.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s22.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_7_-_information_intended_for_future_publication.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_7_-_information_intended_for_future_publication.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section23|Section 23]]: Information Supplied by, or Related to, Bodies Dealing with Security Matters  
|[[FOIA Section 22A Exemption|Section 22A]]: Research
|Qualified
|TBC
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|[[FOIA_Section_23_Exemption|Section 23]]: Information Supplied by, or Related to, Bodies Dealing with Security Matters  
|Absolute
|Absolute
|N/A
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s23.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s23.pdf link]
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|-
|[[Section24|Section 24]]: National Security  
|[[FOIA_Section_24_Exemption|Section 24]]: National Security  
|Qualified
|Qualified
|Prejudice
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s24.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s24.pdf link]
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|-
|[[Section26|Section 26]]: Defence
|[[FOIA_Section_26_Exemption|Section 26]]: Defence
|Qualified
|Qualified
|Prejudice
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s26.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s26.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_10_-_the_defense_exemption.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_10_-_the_defense_exemption.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section27|Section 27]]: International Relations  
|[[FOIA_Section_27_Exemption|Section 27]]: International Relations  
|Qualified
|Qualified
|Prejudice
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s27.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s27.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_14_-_international_relations.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_14_-_international_relations.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section28|Section 28]]: Relations Within The United Kingdom  
|[[FOIA_Section_28_Exemption|Section 28]]: Relations Within The United Kingdom  
|Qualified
|Qualified
|Prejudice
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s28.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s28.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/relationswithintheuk.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/relationswithintheuk.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section29|Section 29]]: The Economy  
|[[FOIA_Section_29_Exemption|Section 29]]: The Economy  
|Qualified
|Qualified
|Prejudice
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s29.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s29.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/theeconomy.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/theeconomy.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section30|Section 30]]: Investigations And Proceedings Conducted By Public Authorities  
|[[FOIA_Section_30_Exemption|Section 30]]: Investigations And Proceedings Conducted By Public Authorities  
|Qualified
|Qualified
|Class
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s30.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s30.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/section_30_investigations_13_oct_06.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/section_30_investigations_13_oct_06.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section31|Section 31]]: Law Enforcement  
|[[FOIA_Section_31_Exemption|Section 31]]: Law Enforcement  
|Qualified
|Qualified
|Class
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s31.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s31.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/section_31_law_enforcement_13_oct_06_v2.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/section_31_law_enforcement_13_oct_06_v2.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section32|Section 32]]: Court Records  
|[[FOIA_Section_32_Exemption|Section 32]]: Court Records  
|Absolute
|Absolute
|N/A
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s32.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s32.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_9_info_contained_in_court_records.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_9_info_contained_in_court_records.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section33|Section 33]]: Audit Functions  
|[[FOIA_Section_33_Exemption|Section 33]]: Audit Functions  
|Qualified
|Qualified
|Prejudice
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s33.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s33.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_18_-_public_audit.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_18_-_public_audit.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section34|Section 34]]: Parliamentary Privilege  
|[[FOIA_Section_34_Exemption|Section 34]]: Parliamentary Privilege  
|Absolute
|Absolute
|N/A
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s34.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s34.pdf link]
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|-
|[[Section35|Section 35]]: Formulation Of Government Policy  
|[[FOIA_Section_35_Exemption|Section 35]]: Formulation Of Government Policy  
|Qualified
|Qualified
|Class
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s35.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s35.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/formulationofgovernmentpolicy.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/formulationofgovernmentpolicy.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section36|Section 36]]: Prejudice to Effective Conduct of Public Affairs  
|[[FOIA_Section_36_Exemption|Section 36]]: Prejudice to Effective Conduct of Public Affairs  
|Qualified
|Qualified
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s36.pdf link]
|Prejudice
|[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130402145659/http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s36.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/effectiveconductofpublic%20affairs.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/effectiveconductofpublic%20affairs.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[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  
|[[FOIA_Section_37_Exemption|Section 37]]: Communications With Her Majesty, With Other Members Of The Royal Household, And The Conferring By The Crown Of Any Honour Or Dignity  
|Qualified
|Qualified in NI; Absolute or Qualified for other public authorities
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s37.pdf link]
|Class
|[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130402145659/http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s37.pdf link]
|[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]
|[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]
|-
|-
|[[Section38|Section 38]]: Health And Safety  
|[[FOIA_Section_38_Exemption|Section 38]]: Health And Safety  
|Qualified
|Qualified
|Prejudice
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s38.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s38.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_19_-_health_and_safety.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_19_-_health_and_safety.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section39|Section 39]]: Environmental Information  
|[[FOIA_Section_39_Exemption|Section 39]]: Environmental Information  
|Qualified - EIR applies, and all EIR exemptions are subject to a PIT
|Qualified - EIR applies, and all EIR exemptions are subject to a PIT
|Class
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s39.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s39.pdf link]
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|-
|[[Section40|Section 40]]: Personal Information  
|[[FOIA_Section_40_Exemption|Section 40]]: Personal Information  
|For 3rd party info - neither - depends on 'fairness' test of DPA.  For own information, this is an absolute exemption
|For 3rd party info - neither - depends on 'fairness' test of DPA.  For own information, this is an absolute exemption
|Class
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s40.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s40.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/personal_information.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/personal_information.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section41|Section 41]]: Information Provided In Confidence  
|[[FOIA_Section_41_Exemption|Section 41]]: Information Provided In Confidence  
|Absolute
|Absolute
|Class
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s41.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s41.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/confidentialinformation_v4.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/confidentialinformation_v4.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section42|Section 42]]: Legal Professional Privilege  
|[[FOIA_Section_42_Exemption|Section 42]]: Legal Professional Privilege  
|Qualified  
|Qualified  
|Class
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s42.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s42.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/legal_professional_privilege.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/legal_professional_privilege.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section43|Section 43]]: Commercial Interests  
|[[FOIA_Section_43_Exemption|Section 43]]: Commercial Interests  
|Qualified  
|Qualified  
|Prejudice
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s43.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s43.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_5_v3_07_03_08.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_5_v3_07_03_08.pdf link]
|-
|-
|[[Section44|Section 44]]: Prohibitions On Disclosure
|[[FOIA_Section_44_Exemption|Section 44]]: Prohibitions On Disclosure
|Absolute
|Absolute
|Class
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s44.pdf link]
|[http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-exemption-s44.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_27_-_prohibitions_on_disclosure.pdf link]
|[http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/awareness_guidance_27_-_prohibitions_on_disclosure.pdf link]
Line 188: Line 203:
*[[Which organisations are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000?]]
*[[Which organisations are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000?]]


*[[FOIA Schedule I - Public Authorities]]
*[[FOIA Schedule 1|FOIA Schedule 1 - Public Authorities]]


== Publication Schemes + ICO / Information Tribunal guidance ==
== Publication Schemes, Disclosure logs & ICO / Information Tribunal guidance ==
*[[How publication schemes could be improved]]
*[[How publication schemes could be improved]]
*[[ICO FOI guidance and decisions by subject]]
*[[ICO FOI guidance and decisions by subject]]
*[[Disclosure logs]]


==How the Act came about==
==How the Act came about==
Line 199: Line 215:


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."
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."
== Legislative information ==
{{Legislation|Type=ukpga|Year=2000|Number=36|SLD number=1876329|Short title=Freedom of Information Act 2000}}


== External Links ==
== External Links ==


* [http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/plain/ukpga_20000036_en Freedom Of Information Act - legislation as originally enacted]
* [http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100512160448/http://www.foi.gov.uk/reference/legislation.htm Archived Department of Constitutional Affairs compendium of FOI legislation]
* [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]
*[http://webjcli.ncl.ac.uk/2001/issue3/cornford3.html#fnB6 The Freedom of Information Act 2000: Genuine or Sham?] Tom Conford
* [http://www.dca.gov.uk/foi/reference/legislation.htm Department of Constitutional Affairs compendium of FOI legislation]

Latest revision as of 10:45, 19 July 2015

Introduction

This section of the wiki provides more details on the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).

Name and Address

  • You should ideally use your real name for FOI requests. Various permutations of names are acceptable. For example, if you're called John Smith, then Mr Smith or J. Smith are both OK.
  • If you're writing on behalf of a corporate body (eg company or charity etc), then the name of that company is acceptable.
  • If you wish to remain anonymous, there's nothing to stop you asking a friend or relative to make a FOI request on your behalf under their name.
  • The ICO have updated their advice on using a pseudonym to make requests [URL req'd]. They will not accept as valid any complaint (ie under FOIA Section 50) from anyone they suspect of using a pseudonym - this is because further appeals need to go to Tribunal, which has a stronger requirement for disclosure of real names.
  • The ICO state that a pseudonym does not automatically result in a request being vexatious, and that Authorities should consider disclosing information to anonymous requesters.
  • You need to provide "an address for correspondence". This means that either an email address OR a physical address is required.
  • The ICO have confirmed this, in response to correspondence with Rother District Council who originally insisted on a physical address being provided for all FOI requests.

How to make a request

Any person can make a request under the Act - there are no restrictions on your age, nationality, or where you live.

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:

  • your name & and address where you can be contacted
  • a description of the information that you want

You can make a request to public authorities using the WhatDoTheyKnow web site, the site lists over 3,000 UK public authorities.

Part I

Exemptions guidance

The table below shows the FOIA exemptions, including whether they are absolute exemptions or qualified exemptions subject to a Public Interest Test.

Exemption absolute / qualified prejuduce based/class based MoJ guidance ICO guidance
Section 12: Exemption where cost of compliance exceeds appropriate limit Absolute N/A link link
Section 21: Information Accessible By Other Means Absolute N/A link link
Section 22: Information Intended For Future Publication Qualified Class link link
Section 22A: Research Qualified TBC N/A N/A
Section 23: Information Supplied by, or Related to, Bodies Dealing with Security Matters Absolute N/A link N/A
Section 24: National Security Qualified Prejudice link N/A
Section 26: Defence Qualified Prejudice link link
Section 27: International Relations Qualified Prejudice link link
Section 28: Relations Within The United Kingdom Qualified Prejudice link link
Section 29: The Economy Qualified Prejudice link link
Section 30: Investigations And Proceedings Conducted By Public Authorities Qualified Class link link
Section 31: Law Enforcement Qualified Class link link
Section 32: Court Records Absolute N/A link link
Section 33: Audit Functions Qualified Prejudice link link
Section 34: Parliamentary Privilege Absolute N/A link N/A
Section 35: Formulation Of Government Policy Qualified Class link link
Section 36: Prejudice to Effective Conduct of Public Affairs Qualified Prejudice link link
Section 37: Communications With Her Majesty, With Other Members Of The Royal Household, And The Conferring By The Crown Of Any Honour Or Dignity Qualified in NI; Absolute or Qualified for other public authorities Class link link
Section 38: Health And Safety Qualified Prejudice link link
Section 39: Environmental Information Qualified - EIR applies, and all EIR exemptions are subject to a PIT Class link N/A
Section 40: Personal Information For 3rd party info - neither - depends on 'fairness' test of DPA. For own information, this is an absolute exemption Class link link
Section 41: Information Provided In Confidence Absolute Class link link
Section 42: Legal Professional Privilege Qualified Class link link
Section 43: Commercial Interests Qualified Prejudice link link
Section 44: Prohibitions On Disclosure Absolute Class link link

Who is subject to the Freedom of Information Act?

Publication Schemes, Disclosure logs & ICO / Information Tribunal guidance

How the Act came about

Main article: History of the Freedom of Information Act 2000

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."

Legislative information

  • To link to this legislation, try {{ukpga|2000|36}}.
  • Short title: Freedom of Information Act 2000
  • Legislation ID: ukpga/2000/36

External Links

Retrieved from "https://foiwiki.com/foiwiki/index.php?title=Freedom_of_Information_Act_2000&oldid=25690"