Freedom of Information

Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is designed to establish a culture of openness and transparency in public administration. The Act provides a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, subject to certain exemptions, and imposes obligations on these authorities as to how they should respond to written requests for information. However, the public authority is not required to release information to which any of the exemptions in the Act applies. Typically, information may be withheld if its release would compromise the health and safety of staff; where confidential data about others is included; or for reasons of security. For a full list of exemptions, log on to:
www.ico.gov.uk/

The Act also establishes the Office of Information Commissioner with responsibility for ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Act. Furthermore, the Act requires that, from November 2002, the Board adopts a Publication Scheme approved by the Information Commissioner.

The aim of the Publication Scheme is to outline:

• the categories of information routinely published.
• the manner in which information will be published.
• whether the information will be available free of charge or on payment of a fee.

The remaining provisions of the Act, covering the individual right of access to information, were brought into force for most public authorities in January 2005.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Operational responsibility for Freedom of Information falls to the Board's Corporate Information Manager, Mr Nigel McCosker who can be contacted at: