Who can respond to a Freedom of Information request?

Anyone has a right to request information from a public authority. You have two separate duties when responding to these requests: to tell the applicant whether you hold any information falling within the scope of their request; and. to provide that information.

What is the purpose of the Freedom of Information Act?

What is the purpose of FOIA? The FOIA gives a person the right to request access to Federal records. However, some records may be protected from release pursuant to one of the nine FOIA exemptions. For the complete list of FOIA exemptions, visit this page.

Can you ignore a freedom of Information request?

Almost anything in writing which asks for information will count as a request under the Act. The Act contains other provisions to deal with requests which are too broad, unclear or unreasonable. Even if a request is not valid under the Freedom of Information Act, this does not necessarily mean you can ignore it.

How long do you have to respond to a freedom of Information request?

You normally have 20 working days to respond to a request. For a request to be valid under the Freedom of Information Act it must be in writing, but requesters do not have to mention the Act or direct their request to a designated member of staff.

What kind of records can you get under Freedom of Information Act?

A record can be a paper document or information held on computer. It includes, for example, printouts, maps, plans, microfilm, audio-visual material, disks and tapes. Section 27 of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 provides for fees and charges. No fees apply where the request involves access to your personal records.

Why do we need a Freedom of Information Act?

FOIA plays an important role in keeping government transparent and accountable , and has been used to expose a wide range of government misconduct and waste, along with threats to the public’s health and safety. While FOIA is intended to increase transparency, it doesn’t provide access to all government documents.

What is the Freedom of Information Act and how does it work?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a United States federal law that grants the public access to information possessed by government agencies. Upon written request, U.S. government agencies are required to release information unless it falls under one of nine exemptions listed in the Act.

What does the Freedom of Information Act do?

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) The purpose of the Freedom of Information Act is to ensure that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government, and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials. This law went into effect on January 1,…

What is covered under FOIA?

FOIA covers records from all federal regulatory agencies, cabinet and military departments, offices, commissions, government-controlled corporations, the Executive Office of the President, and other organizations of the Executive Branch of the federal government.