Subjects:

Blackstone Legislation Guides, Data Protection

Contents:

FOREWORD

PREFACE

TABLE OF STATUTES

TABLE OF SECONDARY LEGISLATION

1. Freedom of Information An Introduction

2. Freedom of Information in Europe and Other Jurisdictions

3. Access to Information under the Freedom of Information Act: rights and duties

4. Applications for Information: procedure

5. Exempt Information general: issues

6. Absolute exemptions

7. Qualified exemptions

8. Enforcement

9. Historical records

Appendix 1 Text of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (as amended)

Appendix 2 The Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004

Appendix 3 The Environmental Information Regulations 2004

Appendix 4 Code of Practice on the discharge of public authorities' functions under Part I of the Freedom of Information Act 2000

Appendix 5 Code of Practice on the Management of Records issued under section 46 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000

Appendix 6 Extracts from Hansard

The Blackstone's Guide Series delivers concise and accessible books covering the latest legislative changes and amendments. Published soon after enactment, they offer expert commentary by leading names on the effects, extent and scope of the legislation, plus a full copy of the Act itself. They offer a cost-effective solution to key information needs and are the perfect companion for any practitioner needing to get up to speed with the latest changes.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 created a new statutory 'right to open government'. The Act came into force in January 2005 and has resulted in a large number of requests being made to public authorities. As a result of the number of requests received, there has now also been a number of decision notices issued by the Information Commissioner and the Information Tribunal, which have provided further guidance on the operation of the Act.

The 3rd edition of this popular Guide, provides updated commentary and information on developments since the Act came into force in January 2005. It includes discussion of the controversial changes to the fees regime, alongside key decisions and documents from the Information Tribunal, the Information Commissioner and the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

New to this edition:-

• Discussion of controversial changes to the fee regime and wider exemption for public authorities
• Information, statistics and annual reports about how the Act is working, who is using it and how it is being used
• Coverage of key decisions by the Information Commissioner, the Information Tribunal and the Scottish Information Commissioner
• Treatment of a significant number of documents from the Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Information Commissioner
• Expanded to include additional information on Scottish legislation
• New references to current regulations and guidance for example the Reuse of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005
• The use of footnotes for ease of reference