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Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000

What is the FOI Act about?

The FOI Act gives individuals more access to information held by public authorities such as the South West RDA. The Act provides a general right of access to information held by public authorities, although there are a few exemptions. The exemptions allow public authorities to withhold information under certain circumstances.

The Act also requires public authorities to produce a publication scheme, which sets out what information is routinely available to the public.

Public authorities must also provide a guide to information which identifies specific information that they regularly publish.

Frequently Asked Questions

For further information and guidance on the Freedom of Information Act 2000 contact Alison McCarthy, Information & FOI Officer, or the Information Commissioner.

An aerial view of the coastline at Lyme Regis

Engineer inspecting metal component