Applicants under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FIA 2000) should have a right to complain to a public authority if their request for information is refused in whole or in part, or if they are otherwise unhappy with the authority’s handling of their request.

Although it is not a legal requirement that public authorities have an internal review procedure in place under the FIA 2000, the Freedom of Information Code of Practice (the Code) recommends that every authority should have such a procedure as a matter of best practice.

The Code is not legally binding, but it provides guidance for public authorities on best practice in fulfilling their duties under the FIA 2000. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) helps to promote the Code and may take action against, or make recommendations to, an authority for poor practice, even if this does not amount to a breach of the FIA 2000.

The Code stipulates that the complaints procedure should provide a fair, thorough and prompt review of actions and decisions taken under the FIA 2000. It