Law Lecture/reading eight: Freedom of information act

The freedom of information act 2000:
The freedom of information act gives individuals the power to require 'public authorities' to disclose information which wouldnt usually be published. The information requested must be supplied without charge, except if it costs the governmental department more than £600 or £450 for other authorities.
In the past, it had been requested that government disclose the attorney generals advice on the legality of the UK taking part in the invasion of Iraq. and an early draft of a controversial dosser published by the government to justify the invasion. 
The freedom of information act is a worldwide and helpful tool for journalists.

 Under the act, public authorities are considered to be:
- national government departments
- the house of commons, house of lords and NI/Welsh assemblies
- armed forces
- local government authorities
- national parks
- Universities, Colleges and schools
- NHS
- Advisory and regulatory bodies.

Some institutions and agencies are not covered by the act:
- UK's security and intelligence agencies are not requiired to respond to requests.
- courts and tribunals not covered, neither are housing associations, private prisons, charities, members of parliament and schools with academy status.

The FOI act works by responding to requests of information within 20 days, this can either be the information itself or explantions as to why the information cannot be given.
If information cannot given, it may be becuase
- that particular authority does not hold that information.
- it would exceed the costs limits for free information.
- its covered by exemptions under the act and doesn't need to be supplied.
The information that is held by an authority should be checked before making the request, this information is required to be shown in a 'publication scheme'

Public authorities are required by section 16 of the act to give those requesting the information advice and assistance. When someone is making a request, they should be told before the request what information of the type wanted, is available and should be given advice to avoid exceeding the cost limit for the information so they do not receive a charge.