The freedom of information guidance we produce is split into these four categories:
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Procedural guidance - this deals with the practical aspects of the Freedom of Information Act, such as how to use the Codes of Practice. This section also includes good practice guidance.
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Topic specific guidance - this guidance is designed to assist authorities in dealing with requests for specific types of information, such as information relating to the deceased.
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Sector specific guidance - this is guidance aimed at a particular public authority sector.
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Exemptions guidance - this deals with the exemptions under the Act.
Guidance on the model publication scheme can be found in the model publication scheme section of the website. Although some of the guidance on this page also covers Environmental Information Regulations (EIR), specific guidance can be found in the EIR section of the website.
Procedural guidance
When is information caught by the Freedom of Information Act? (AG12)
Lifecycle of a request (GPG3)
Consideration of requests without reference to the identity of the applicant or the reasons for the request (GPG6)
Section 9 – Charging a fee - new
Section 9,12,13 – Using the Fees Regulations - new
Section 10 - Time for compliance (AG11) – recently updated
Section 11 - Means of communication (AG29) – recently updated
Section 12 - Redacting and extracting information - new
Section 14 – Vexatious requests – a short guide - new
Section 14 - Vexatious or repeated requests (AG22) – recently updated
Section 16 - Advice and assistance (AG23)
Section 17 - Refusal notices (GPG1) – recently updated
Section 17 - Time limits on considering the public interest (GPG4) – recently updated
Codes of Practice - Using the procedural codes of practice (GPG2)
Codes of Practice - Records management FAQs (AG8)
Codes of Practice - Time limits on carrying out internal reviews (GPG5)
Codes of Practice - Destruction of requested information - new
Topic specific guidance
Access to information about public authorities’ employees
Access to information about the deceased
What should be published: minutes and agendas
When should names be disclosed? - new
Complaints and investigations files – how to approach them - new
Guidance on dealing with requests for MP’s correspondence relating to constituents
Sector specific guidance
Basic guide on compliance for first tier councils
Exemptions guidance
Duty to confirm or deny (AG21) – recently updated
Prejudice and adversely affect (AG20)
Public interest test (AG3)
The exemptions
Section 21 - Information reasonably accessible to the applicant by other means (AG6)
Section 22 - Information intended for future publication (AG7)
Section 26 - Defence (AG10)
Section 27 - International relations (AG14)
Section 28 - Relations within the UK (AG13) – recently updated
Section 29 - Economy (AG15) – recently updated
Section 30 - Investigations (AG16)
Section 31 - Law enforcement (AG17)
Section 32 - Information contained in court records (AG9)
Section 33 - Public audit (AG18)
Section 34 - Parliamentary privilege – under review
Section 35 - Policy formulation, Ministerial communications, Law Officers’ advice and the operation of Ministerial Private Office (AG24) – recently updated
Section 36 - Effective conduct of public affairs (AG25) – recently updated
Section 37 - Communications with Her Majesty and the awarding of honours (AG26)
Section 38 - Health and safety (AG19)
Section 39 - Environmental information (EIR guidance pages)
Section 40 - Personal Information (AG1) – recently updated
Section 41 - Information provided in confidence (AG2) – recently updated
Section 41 - The duty of confidence and the public interest - new
Section 41 - Information provided in confidence relating to contracts – new
Section 42 - Legal professional privilege (AG4) – recently updated
Section 43 - Commercial interest (AG5)
Section 43 - Public sector contracts – FOI annexe
Section 43 - Commercial detriment of third parties - new
Section 44 - Prohibitions on disclosure (AG27)