FOI

Question 1

Explain how the Freedom of Information Act (2000) works, how requests for information are made and provide examples of bodies covered by the legislation.

Answer 1

Public access to info held by public authorities > obliged to publish info and public entitled to request info.
Made in writing in a letter or email > direct to authority (10 days to respond)
e.g. fire and rescue services, passenger transport, NHS trust and local health boards.

Question 2

Outline the grounds on which a public body can reject a Freedom of Information request.

Answer 2

info is already in the public domain
the authority intends to publish it
matter of security
international relations
personal information

Question 3

Outline the rights of the media and public to attend council cabinet meetings when key decisions are being decided.

Answer 3

local gov act 2011
councils should hold all meetings in public (other than exceptional cases or if info is confidential/exempt
public and press have rights to attend all meetings