Department for Constitutional AffairsFreedom of information

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Home > People's rights > Freedom of Information> Your rights > Freedom of Information in detail

FOI in detail

This page contains links to more in-depth information for people making requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.


Use the links to find out more about what happens when you make a request, the laws that apply and possible outcomes, as well as the history of the FOI Act and current government policy on Freedom of Information.

How requests are handled

This page explains the rules which govern how requests are handled by public authorities and sets out some of the things that might happen whilst a public authority is handling your request.

Requests for 'personal information'

This page provides information for people making requests for information about themselves and about other people. It explains which laws these requests will be handled under and the differences between them.

About environmental Information

This page contains information about making requests for environmental information, including the Environmental Information Regulations and how they differ from the Freedom of Information Act.

About 'publication schemes'

This page explains what a publication scheme is and how they operate as part of the Freedom of Information regime.

Guide to Freedom of Information Act coverage

Use this short guide to find out whether a particular organisation is covered by the Act, what happens if it isn't covered, and where to get help if you're not sure.

List of public authorities

This page contains more information about the bodies and organisations covered by the FOI Act, including a list of most of the organisations covered.

Full list of exemptions

This page provides information about the exemptions to the right of access under the FOI Act.

About the Information Commissioner and Tribunal

This page contains information for people who have made requests for information and want to appeal against the answer they received. It explains the remit of the Information Commissioner and Information Tribunal, and how to contact them.

FOI policy development

This page contains information for people interested in Freedom of Information policy. It explains the role of the DCA and the Access to Information Central Clearing House, and contains information about some of the ongoing work.

FOI time-line

This page contains information about the development of the UK Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the stages of its implementation.


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