Freedom of Information Act
Introduction to the Freedom of Information Act 2000
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) received royal assent on 30 November 2000. It establishes a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on public authorities. The right to access information came into force on 1st January 2005. From that date onwards, you are entitled, on making a request in writing:
- to be informed in writing whether the FSS holds the information you have requested, and
- to have that information communicated to you.
There are categories of information described in the Act which may be exempt from disclosure, and the right of access may not extend to these. Each request will be considered on its own merits.
The information has to be provided within a 20-day time limit, and there may be charges associated with processing requests. The right to charge for prescribed costs and disbursements remains at the discretion of the FSS and applicants wil be advised of any charges upon receipt of a request.
Please note that information provided on the FSS website and FSS Publication Scheme is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.