Legal Update - Freedom of Information

Data Protection – Freedom of Information – Time Limit – Information Commissioner’s Office – Public Authorities

The Information Commissioner’s Office (“ICO”) has reacted to concerns over the length of time public authorities are responding to freedom of information requests. Under the Freedom of Information Act, a public authority must respond to a request within 20 days. After a number of complaints were made about the Metropolitan Service, the London Borough of Barnet and Manchester City Council and their failure to respond within the time limit, the ICO will be monitoring these authorities until 30 June 2013.

More information can be found on the ICO’s website.

You may contact us by email [email protected]. Visit http://www.rtcoopers.com/practice_dataprotection.php

© RT COOPERS, 2013. This Briefing Note does not provide a comprehensive or complete statement of the law relating to the issues discussed nor does it constitute legal advice. It is intended only to highlight general issues. Specialist legal advice should always be sought in relation to particular circumstances.