Freedom of information

The freedom of information regime

In England and Wales, the freedom of information regime is governed by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FIA 2000), which grants a general right of access to information held by public authorities, together with an obligation on such authorities to proactively and regularly make certain information available to the public. The body responsible for enforcing the regime is the Information Commissioner.

For introductory guidance on the freedom of information regime, see Practice Notes:

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Introduction to freedom of information
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Who is subject to the freedom of information regime

Difference between FIA 2000 and Environmental Information Regulations

FIA 2000 covers all information held by public authorities, except for environmental information. Access to environmental information is exclusively covered by the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR 2004), SI 2004/3391. There are a number of similarities between FIA 2000 and EIR 2004 regimes, such as the time limits for providing information, the duty to provide advice and assistance and the appeal procedures. However, the regimes differ in certain respects, including: the type of information covered, the public authorities subject

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