Combines clarity of text with good level of detail to assist busy practitioners in accessing information quickly
Second edition has been updated to include rthe finalised Codes of Practice
Includes discussion of other access regimes to aid understanding of related issues
New to this edition
Inclusion of new secondary legislation
Text has been amended to reflect developments in Scotland and within the EU
Further commentary to reflect recent case law on the Data Protection Act 1998
The Blackstone's Guide Series delivers concise and accessible books covering the latest legislation changes and amendments. Published within weeks of an Act, they offer expert commentary by leading names on the effects, extent and scope of the legislation, plus a full copy of the Act itself. They offer a cost-effective solution to key information needs and are the perfect companion for any practitioner needing to get up to speed with the latest changes.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 makes the right to access documents a reality for the first time. This legislation creates a new fundamental "right to open government". The legislation will have a very significant impact on all public authorities. The Act also makes substantial amendments to, for example, the regimes of data protection and public record keeping.The right to access documents itself finally comes into force in January 2005 and it will then become essential for practitioners in the field to know about how to work with and apply its various sections.
The, 2nd edition of this popular Guide, provides updated commentary and information on developments since Royal Assent. The new edition will include the finalised Codes of Practice and reference to relevant Statutory Instruments plus further information and commentary on:Data Protection and related Scottish and European legislation.
Contents
FOREWORD Richard Thomas, Information Commissioner:
PREFACE
TABLE OF STATUTES
TABLE OF SECONDARY LEGISLATION
1 Freedom of Information - An Introduction
2 Freedom of Information in Europe and Other Jurisdictions
3 Towards Freedom of Information in the United Kingdom
4 Access to Information Under the Freedom of Information Act - Rights and Duties
5 Applications for Information - Procedure
6 Exempt Information - General Issues
7 Absolute Exemptions
8 Qualified Exemptions
9 Enforcement
10 Personal Information and Data Protection
11 Historical Records
Appendix 1- Text of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (as amended)
Appendix 2 - Code of Practice under s 45
Appendix 3 - Code of Practice under s 46
Appendix 4 - Extracts from Hansard
Appendix 5 - Council of Europe: Recommendation Rec (2002)2 of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on Access to Official Documents
Appendix 6 - Statutory Instruments: Draft SI The Freedom of Information (Fees and Appropriate Limit) Regulations
Appendix 7 - Environmental Information Regulations
Second edition has been updated to include rthe finalised Codes of Practice
Includes discussion of other access regimes to aid understanding of related issues
New to this edition
Inclusion of new secondary legislation
Text has been amended to reflect developments in Scotland and within the EU
Further commentary to reflect recent case law on the Data Protection Act 1998
The Blackstone's Guide Series delivers concise and accessible books covering the latest legislation changes and amendments. Published within weeks of an Act, they offer expert commentary by leading names on the effects, extent and scope of the legislation, plus a full copy of the Act itself. They offer a cost-effective solution to key information needs and are the perfect companion for any practitioner needing to get up to speed with the latest changes.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 makes the right to access documents a reality for the first time. This legislation creates a new fundamental "right to open government". The legislation will have a very significant impact on all public authorities. The Act also makes substantial amendments to, for example, the regimes of data protection and public record keeping.The right to access documents itself finally comes into force in January 2005 and it will then become essential for practitioners in the field to know about how to work with and apply its various sections.
The, 2nd edition of this popular Guide, provides updated commentary and information on developments since Royal Assent. The new edition will include the finalised Codes of Practice and reference to relevant Statutory Instruments plus further information and commentary on:Data Protection and related Scottish and European legislation.
Contents
FOREWORD Richard Thomas, Information Commissioner:
PREFACE
TABLE OF STATUTES
TABLE OF SECONDARY LEGISLATION
1 Freedom of Information - An Introduction
2 Freedom of Information in Europe and Other Jurisdictions
3 Towards Freedom of Information in the United Kingdom
4 Access to Information Under the Freedom of Information Act - Rights and Duties
5 Applications for Information - Procedure
6 Exempt Information - General Issues
7 Absolute Exemptions
8 Qualified Exemptions
9 Enforcement
10 Personal Information and Data Protection
11 Historical Records
Appendix 1- Text of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (as amended)
Appendix 2 - Code of Practice under s 45
Appendix 3 - Code of Practice under s 46
Appendix 4 - Extracts from Hansard
Appendix 5 - Council of Europe: Recommendation Rec (2002)2 of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on Access to Official Documents
Appendix 6 - Statutory Instruments: Draft SI The Freedom of Information (Fees and Appropriate Limit) Regulations
Appendix 7 - Environmental Information Regulations