The Freedom of Information Act gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities. It sets out exemptions from that ‘right’ and places a number of obligations on public authorities.

A 'public authority' is defined in the Act and includes but is not restricted to central and local government, non-departmental public bodies, the police, the health service and schools, colleges and universities. Any person who makes a request to a public authority for information must be informed whether the public authority holds that information, and subject to exemptions, must be given that information.

Individuals have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998. The Freedom of Information Act will extend this right to allow public access to all types of information held.

Every public authority is required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme setting out the classes of information it holds and the manner in which it intends to publish the information. The purpose of a scheme is to ensure a significant amount of information is available, without the need for a specific request. Schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish more information proactively and to develop a greater culture of openness.