Case Study (FOIA)

Question 1

Who do the Freedom of Information Act apply to?

Answer 1

-Public bodies
-Universities

Question 2

What are these organisations compelled to do?

Answer 2

Release specified info about their activities if asked

Question 3

Name as example of what info can be released under the Freedom of Information Act?

Answer 3

Meeting transcripts

Question 4

Who can make requests to release this information?

Answer 4

Members of the public

Question 5

Who is requests for information made to?

Answer 5

The Information Commissioners Office (ICO)

Question 6

The ICO has to release info when asked, doesn’t it?

Answer 6

NO - they can deny the release of info in some circumstances

Question 7

Name an example of a FOI request?

Answer 7

The request for MPs expenses in 2009, which led to the discovery of the expenses scandal

Question 8

Between July and September 2020, how often were FOI requests made?

Answer 8

11,042 requests

Question 9

How many were requests were responded to in time?

Answer 9

86%

Question 10

What percent was answered in full?

Answer 10

40% were answered in full

Question 11

What percent were denied in full?

Answer 11

35% were denied in full

Question 12

What was the remainder, which was answered partly?

Answer 12

25%

Question 13

On what grounds could a FOI request be denied?

Answer 13

-National security
-Expense