Freedom of Information Act 2000
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 came into force on 1st January 2005.
The Act gives individuals a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, although there are some exemptions from that right. The Act replaced the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
The Act applies to all types of recorded information held by this Office, regardless of the date of the information. The Act does, however, set out some exemptions to this right. Anyone can make a request for information under the right of access, although the request must be in writing. Unless the information falls under one of the specific exemptions in the Act, you will be entitled, on making a request under the right of access:
- to be informed in writing by the Office if it holds information you requested and, if so,
- to have that information given to you, where possible, in the manner you have requested, for example as a copy or summary.
The Act sets a time limit for dealing with a request for information. The Adjudicator's Office has to respond to requests within 20 working days. The Act also provides for an appeal mechanism allowing you to apply to the Information Commissioner, who enforces the Act, for a decision as to whether the Office dealt with a specific request in accordance with the Act.
The Adjudicator's Office may charge a fee for processing a Freedom of Information request. The fee will be calculated according to the Fees Regulations. Under the Act, fees may be charged in respect of the time spent in efficiently locating or copying records, based on a standard hourly rate. No charges may apply in respect of the time spent by the Office in considering requests. If a fee is required, the 20 working days will be extended by up to 3 months until the fee is paid.
For more information see our Adjudicator's Office Publication Scheme.