The Freedom of Information Act 2000 came partially into force in 2004 with the publication of statutory Publication Schemes under sections 19 or 20 of the Act, and came fully into force in January 2005 when information requests could be made.  The Act makes all information held by public authorities available on request unless an exemption can be argued.  The Act is enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office, to whom an applicant for information can appeal if dissatisfied with an authority’s response.

Key features include:

• gives a general right to know what information a public authority holds
• gives applicants a right to receive a copy or summary of information held by public authorities unless an exemption applies
• responses to applications for information must be made within 20 working days
• the Act is person and purpose blind
• public authorities must maintain and publish Publication Schemes setting out what information is routinely made available
• the Act covers all information a public authority holds irrespective of format or date