FoI Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the Freedom of Information Act 2000?
A: To give the public greater access to information about the working of government and public bodies.

Q: What new rights does the Act create?
A: The Act gives two related rights: the right to be told whether the information exists; and the right to receive the information (subject to exemptions.)

Q: When does (did) the Act come into force?
A: The Individual Right of Access comes(came) into effect on January 2005. Enfield Council has been required to maintain a Publication Scheme since february 2003

Q: Does the Act apply only to information created from 1st January
2005?
A: No, the Act is fully retrospective. This means that it applies to all the records kept by the Council. However, not all old information is kept forever.

Q: How long does the Council keep information?
A: We hold different types of information for different lengths of time, according to our policy on records retention.

Q: Will I get all the information I have asked for?
A: It depends. You may get all the information, some of it, or none. You do not have the right to be given exempt information, and the cost to the Council of providing the information is a factor, if the cost would be over the limit set by central Government.

Q: Will I be able to obtain personal information about myself under the Act?
A: Requests for personal information will be dealt with under the Data Protection Act.

Q: Who ensures that Enfield Council complies with the Freedom of Information Act?
A: The Information Commissioner is responsible for ensuring that all public authorities comply with the Act.

This document was last updated on 2004-12-22 18:28:43 published by the Noncontributor team. Document Reference:LBE_113689