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. From January
2005, 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.
From February 2003, all public authorities are
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. The purpose of the scheme is to ensure that public
authorities make available significant amounts of information
without the need for a specific request. Authorities are being
encouraged to publish more information proactively and to develop a
greater culture of openness.
See: Eden District
Council's Publication Scheme (PDF: 55Kb / pages)
