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Freedom Of Information Act
Came into force on 1st January 2005
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The Right to Information became Law on the 1st January 2005 Government departments say they are following rules on public records People will have the right to access information held by 100,000 public bodies when the Freedom of Information Act comes into force on Saturday. Police forces, hospitals, schools, local councils and the government must now reply to requests for information. Despite the effort to make the workings of public bodies more transparent, requests can be rejected on cost or public interest grounds. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4139087.stm
How to get Information from Public Bodies: You have the right to get information about the management and work of all kinds of public bodies. No. 10 Downing Street, the police, local councils and even village primary schools are open to public scrutiny under the Freedom of Information Act. Last updated: Thursday 16 December 2004 http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ican/A2515790
Links to Department for Constitutional Affairs: I want to know how to make a request for information I want guidance on how the FOI Act works I need to implement FOI in my organisation I want to know about the history of FOI I want a copy of a publication relating to FOI http://www.dca.gov.uk/foi/index.htm
How
to Use the Act: Who can request information? Anyone
can request information under the Act after 1st January 2005, regardless of age,
nationality or location. What information will be available? Any information
held by a public authority is eligible for release. However, a number of
exemptions may be applied to protect
information properly kept confidential. (See also What happens if my
request is refused?) http://www.dca.gov.uk/foi/faqs.htm
Code
of Practice: Today,
the Healthcare Commission publishes its new Code of
Practice on confidential personal information. This code of practice puts
in place processes and standards for the use of personal information and has
been developed in consultation with representatives from various professional
organisations and patients' groups. To access the code of practice on
confidential personal information go to: 10th Jan 05
http://www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/ContactUs/FurtherInformation/fs/en?CONTENT_ID@12130&chk=3je9
