The Freedom of Information Act 2000 came into force on 1 January 2005. The new Act permits anyone to request information from a public authority or government body.

When a public authority receives a request for information, they should respond within 20 working days. The reply should state whether or not the information requested is held by them and if it is they should provide it or explain why it has not been provided quoting an exemption under the Act.

Requests which cost less than £450 to answer (£600 for requests to central government) will be free of charge. If it costs more than this then the authority can refuse to answer your request, answer it for free, or charge up to the full cost of answering.

source: Cook and Partners accountants