Freedom of Information Act 2000 facts for kids
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is a special law made by the British Government in the year 2000. It helps people find out what information public organizations hold. Think of it as a way for you to ask for details that are kept by government bodies or other public groups.
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What is the Freedom of Information Act?
This law gives everyone a general right to ask for information from public authorities. A public authority is an organization that provides public services, like government departments, local councils, or even some schools and hospitals. If they have information, you can ask to see it. This means you can ask for details about yourself or about how these organizations work.
Why is this law important?
The Freedom of Information Act makes sure that public organizations are open and honest. It helps people understand what decisions are being made and why. This is important in a democracy, where people should know what their government is doing. It helps to build trust between the public and the organizations that serve them.
How many people use this law?
Lots of people use this law every year! About 120,000 requests for information are made annually. Most of these requests, about 60%, come from everyday people like you and me. Businesses also use the Act, making up about 20% of requests. Journalists, who write for newspapers or news websites, make about 10% of the requests.
What does it cost?
Running this system and handling all the requests costs money. For example, in 2005, the Freedom of Information Act cost about £35.5 million. This money helps to pay for the staff and systems needed to manage all the information requests.
Who does the Act cover?
The Act covers a huge number of organizations. It applies to over 19,000 public authorities across the United Kingdom. This includes many different types of groups that provide public services. While most public bodies are covered, there are a few special groups that are exceptions to the Act. This means they might not have to share all their information in the same way.
