The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) received Royal Assent on 30 November 2000.  It gives a general right of access to all recorded information held by public authorities, subject to a number of exemptions and limitations, particularly in relation to personal data which is subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act.

 

Every public authority is required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme setting out the classes of information it holds, the manner in which it intends to publish the information and whether a charge will be made for the information.

 

Local Government legislation allows individuals the right to access certain council information.  The FOIA extends this right to allow public access to other types of information it holds.  The rights of access to personal information promoted under the Data Protection Act 1998 further enhance this.