Freedom of Information

The machine readable data challenge

The obligation to provide information in a reusable, and machine readable data format not only arises under the Freedom of Information Act. It is also important for GDPR – when people exercise their right to data portability, for example. What exactly this means is a bit nebulous and in fact

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Freedom of Information: Ensuring Compliance

Under the Freedom of Information Act requests for information must be responded to in 20 working days in most circumstances (see below). Timely disclosure of information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act) is crucial for upholding transparency and accountability in public institutions. Failure to release requested information

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Freedom of Information: Consequences of Non-compliance

The Freedom of Information Act requires public authorities to share data held by them or on their behalf. Although there are exemptions to disclosure typically the information requested has to be provided within 20 working days and free of charge. However, many public authorities do not meet their statutory duties

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Valid Freedom of Information Requests

In order to be acted on by public authorities valid freedom of information requests must meet specific criteria. Here are the four essential elements that FOI requests must include to be considered valid before they can be handled properly. Contents What is a Freedom of Information Request? The Requester's Details

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The Scope of the Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) stands as a cornerstone of transparent governance, enabling citizens to access information held by public authorities. In this article we will summarise the scope of the Freedom of Information Act, and what is excluded from it. Contents The Scope of the Act What

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Advice and Assistance under the FOI Act

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) grants the public the right to access information held by public authorities. Section 16 of the FOIA places a duty on public authorities to provide advice and assistance to persons who propose to make, or have made, requests for information to it. This

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Section 36 Exemption to FOI

A section 36 exemption to the Freedom of Information Act allows information to be withheld if it would prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs. It is named after the relevant section in the Act. Contents What Does the Act Say? What Does This Mean? Public authority Qualified Person Free

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Section 43: Commercially Sensitive Information

In this article we will explore the exemption to sharing information under the Freedom of Information Act - Section 43: commercially sensitive information. This exemption, a guardian of commercial interests, is meticulously designed to prevent the disclosure of information that could potentially harm businesses. Here we will unravel Section 43

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Section 42 exemption: Legal Professional Privilege

A section 42 exemption: legal professional privilege is an exemption under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Exemptions under the Act allow public authorities to withhold information under certain circumstances. In this comprehensive article, we will delve deep into the Section 42 exemption, exploring its scope, significance, and how it

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Health and Safety Exemption to FOI

What is the health and safety exemption to FOI? The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is a potent tool for citizens seeking access to information held by public authorities. However, within this framework, certain exemptions are in place to protect sensitive data. One such exemption is Section 38, which is

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Section 30 Exemption

A Section 30 Exemption describes information exempt from disclosure if the conditions set out in Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act are met. In the realm of freedom of information, navigating the intricacies of exemptions can be a complex endeavor. A Section 30 exemption doesn't fit into the

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Section 22 Exemption: Future Publication

A Section 22 Exemption under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 allows information to be withheld if it is intended for future publication. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) in the United Kingdom serves as a guardian of the principle of governmental transparency and accountability. However, within FOIA, certain

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