Freedom of Information requests
Freedom of Information helps the public to understand how public organisations work, how they spend their money and why they make certain decisions.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives individuals or organisations the right to request information from any public authority.
It sets out the process that a public authority must follow to make its information available to the public and when it can withhold it, which is called exemptions from the right to know.
Publications scheme
Public authorities must provide a publications scheme that sets out the types of available information and how to access or request it, for example, it could be available online or you may have to email a request. Find out how the Healthcare Commission makes its information available in Publication scheme.
More information
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is the UK's independent public body set up to promote access to official information and protect personal information. More information about Freedom of Information and other relevant legislation is available on the ICO website (opens in a new window).
