The Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides public access to information held by public authorities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It allows any individual, anywhere in the world, to request recorded information from these bodies.
Key points:
- Establishes a statutory right to access recorded information held by public authorities
- Requires public authorities to have a publication scheme with routinely published information
- Enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
- Does not cover personal information like patient records (covered under Data Protection Act)
Who is covered?
Public authorities subject to the act include:
- Government departments
- Local councils
- NHS organisations
- State schools
- Police forces
Making a request
To request information, the application must:
- Be made in writing (email/letter/fax)
- Provide the applicant’s name and contact details
- Describe the information being requested
Exemptions
The act does not require disclosure of information that is:
- Personal data about staff or patients (covered by Data Protection Act)
- Potentially harmful to commercial interests, national security, etc
- Intended for future publication
- Public authorities can refuse requests if exemptions apply or if the cost of retrieving the information exceeds statutory limits
Fees
For most requests, public authorities cannot charge a fee. However, fees can be charged if:
- The estimated cost exceeds the statutory limit
- The request is for disbursements like printing/postage
- The applicant requires information in a more costly preferred format
Appeals
If a request is refused or the applicant is unhappy with handling, they can request an internal review. Further appeals can be made to the ICO.
The act promotes transparency by allowing scrutiny of public sector organizations and their decision-making processes.
For any further information please visit the NHS website: NHS England » Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations