What is the Freedom of Information Act?

The Freedom of Information Act was passed on 30 November 2000. It creates a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by most UK public authorities, including us. It also sets out exemptions and places a number of obligations on those public authorities. Find out more below about the Freedom of Information Act, Environmental Information Regulations, our obligations and your rights.

Your rights

Your rights to information under the Freedom of Information Act came into force on 1 January 2005. Subject to certain exemptions, we are required to: 

• let you know in writing whether we hold information you've requested and provide it if we do
• respond to you within 20 working days

To browse our published information or make a new Freedom of Information (FOI) request, visit our Request information about us page.

Meeting our obligations

The Information Commissioner's Office is responsible for making sure we are compliant with the Freedom of Information Act and promoting best practice. 

Contact the Information Commissioner's Office online or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF