FOIs Flashcards
What are the key points for FOIs?
The Freedom of Information act is said to be integral for a democratic society, where there is a transparency of information.
It allows the press and public to get hold of information from public bodies on demand.
The FOI Act was passed in 2000 by the Labour Government.
Which bodies are subject to FOIs?
In theory all public bodies are subject to the FOI Act 2000, including:
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Devolved governments and their bodies
- Hospitals
- Government departments
- Local authorities
- Police and other emergency services
- Public service broadcasters (BBC)
- Non departmental public bodies (e.g. charities)
What information is exempt?
Public bodies can withold information that is exempt as defined by the FOI Act 2000, usually information which is used to protect various interests as defined by the law. However, they must state the reason for which they wish not to share this information.
Otherwise all other information can be known, such as requests for contracts, budgets, crime statistics etc.
How do you submit an FOI?
FOIs are submitted in writing, digitally. Usually, public bodies will have a separate body to deal with this, otherwise there will be a designated email.
You do not need to state who you are or why you need the information.
The public body has 20 working days to provide the sender with a response upon receipt.
You need to include your name and contact detail.
What to do if you are not happy with a response?
The sender can appeal if they are not satisfied with the response. They first need to contact to the initial public body which they requested information from.
If you are still unsatisfied, then you can complain to the Information Commissioners Office who will provide a decision notice. They will check to see if the public body has complied with the law and can provide legally binding actions for the body to take.
