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The
main provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 are due
to come into force in January 2005. It was originally intended
that the legislation when initially passed would be phased in
over a period of five years.
The Act amends the Data Protection Act 1998.
In Scotland the Scottish FOI Act will only apply to Scottish
public authorities that have not been devolved, and allows for
a Scottish Information commissioner for enforcement. |
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The
Acts whilst similar are, however, do differ slightly.
The data protection laws in Scotland will remain within the
remit of the UK’s Information Commissioner.
For more information visit the Information
Commissioner's website.
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The FOI Act creates:-
1. A statutory right of access to information held by public
authorities (although this is subject to conditions and exemptions).
2. Where it is in the public interest- a duty to disclose exempt
information.
3. An Information Tribunal to enforce the rights under the Act.
4. Local authorities will have to enforce a publication scheme
for publishing information, that will have to approved by the
Commissioner.
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