The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on public authorities. A 'public authority' is defined in the Act and includes, but is not restricted to, central and local government, non-departmental public bodies, the police, the health service and schools, colleges and universities. Any person who makes a request to a public authority for information must be informed whether the public authority holds that information and, subject to exemptions, supplied with that information.

Details about our Freedom of Information Publication Scheme, including the classes of information held, accessing that information and any charges that apply are set out in this area of our website.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is the UK's independent authority set up to promote access to official information and to protect personal information. Please click here to view the ICO website.