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Summaries of exemptions

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These brief summaries of the exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act, provide key points to take into account when considering whether the exemption applies to the information requested.

At the bottom of the page you will find useful links through to the websites and documents referred to in this Guidance.

Section 21: Information Accessible By Other Means
Section 22: Information Intended For Future Publication
Section 23: Information Supplied by, or Related to, Bodies Dealing with Security Matters
Section 24: National Security
Section 26: Defence
Section 27: International Relations
Section 28: Relations Within The United Kingdom
Section 29: The Economy
Section 30: Investigations And Proceedings Conducted By Public Authorities
Section 31: Law Enforcement
Section 32: Court Records
Section 33: Audit Functions
Section 34: Parliamentary Privilege
Section 35: Formulation Of Government Policy
Section 36: Prejudice to Effective Conduct of Public Affairs
Section 37: Communications With Her Majesty, With Other Members Of The Royal Household, And The Conferring By The Crown Of Any Honour Or Dignity
Section 38: Health And Safety
Section 39: Environmental Information
Section 40: Personal Information
Section 41: Information Provided In Confidence
Section 42: Legal Professional Privilege
Section 43: Commercial Interests
Section 44: Prohibitions On Disclosure

Useful links:

The Information Commissioner
The Information Commissioner is the independent authority responsible for administering and enforcing the Act, including approval of publication schemes.
The Scottish Information Commissioner
The Scottish Information Commissioner is responsible for the promotion and enforcement of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.
The Information Tribunal
Decisions of the Information Commissioner can be appealed to the Information Tribunal.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
DEFRA have responsibility for the Environmental Information Regulations which make specific provision for access to environmental information.
The National Archives
TNA produces policy and guidance on records management, and on public records held in archives offices, to enable public authorities to meet their obligations under the Act.
DCA information on Data Protection