(out-law.com)
The Freedom of Information Act came into full effect on New Year's Day, giving individuals for the first time the statutory right to see a massive amount of information held by Government departments and thousands of public bodies. People have a right to information about the way decisions are made, and public money is spent, by more than 100,000 public authorities, including Government departments, schools, NHS Trusts, police forces and local authorities. Anyone, of any nationality, and living anywhere in the world, will be able to make a written request for information, and expect a response within 20 working days. There will be no charge for requests which cost central government less than £600 to answer (£450 for the rest of the public sector). 23 January 2005
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