Service Description: The Freedom of Information Act gives a right of access to any information held by the council. This service facilitates the flow of information and monitors the requests to ensure they are dealt with promptly.
Also known as:- FOIA, Public Information, Publication Scheme, Request for Official Guides
Answer: There are some exemptions under the Act to protect certain information, such as personal information, information provided in confidence and information that could prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs. A full list of exemptions is available at http://www.dca.gov.uk/foi/guidance/exsumm/index.htm. Some of these exemptions are qualified exemptions, and as such are also subject to the public interest test. This will determine if it is in the public interest to release the information, regardless of an exemption applying (see page 20 of the Access to Information Policy). - Related Link