Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act (2000) provides the public with access to official information held by public authorities. The Act entitles members of the public to request information from these authorities, and also forces public authorities to publish certain information about their activities.

Authorities covered by the act include government departments, the NHS, state schools, police forces, and others.

The Act only covers recorded information - including printed or digital documents, emails, and video or audio recordings - and does not include information that may be known by members of an authority but is not written down or recorded.