- Q: What can I request under the Freedom of Information Act?
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You have the right to request any information held by public authorities. The act allows access to recorded information, such as emails, meeting minutes, research or reports, held by public authorities in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
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- Q: Which Public Authorities are covered by the Freedom of Information Act??
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A public authority include central government and government departments; local authorities; hospitals, doctors' surgeries, dentists, pharmacists and opticians; state schools, colleges and universities and police forces and prison services. A full list of authorities can be obtained from the Ministry of Justice.
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- Q: How do I make a request?
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Your request must be:
- made in writing. This can be electronically eg, fax, email;
- state the name of the applicant and an address for correspondence; and
- describe the information requested.
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- Q: Will I be able to get any information I want?
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Not always. The Act recognises that there will be valid reasons why some kinds of information may be withheld, such as if its release would prejudice national security or damage to commercial interests.
Public authorities are not obliged to deal with vexatious or repeated requests. In addition the Act does not provide the right of access to personal information about yourself. This is instead available under the Data Protection Act 1998, again subject to certain exemptions.
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- Q: What if the information is refused?
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Where a public authority decides not to disclose the information requested it must give reasons for its decision, it must explain how the exemption or exception applies and it must explain the arguments under the public interest test. The public authority should then inform you of your right to complain to the ICO.
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