The Exemption Index: Section 14 – Vexatious requests
In the first of a new series, FOI Man looks at section 14 of the Freedom of Information Act – covering vexatious requests – and what every FOI Officer – and every requester – needs to know about it....
View ArticleThe Exemption Index: Section 21 – information reasonably accessible by other...
In this post in the Exemption Index series, FOI Man looks at the absolute exemption at section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 Summary “An Act to make provision for the disclosure of...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index: Section 12 – refusing on grounds of cost
In this post, FOI Man looks at the provision within FOI to refuse requests which exceed “the appropriate limit”. Summary It’s the constant lament of some public authorities and critics of FOI. FOI...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index – FOI Section 36
FOI Man looks at the key features of the controversial Freedom of Information Act exemption covering the effective conduct of public affairs. Summary FOI Officers sometimes find themselves in a tricky...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index – FOI Section 41
FOI Man looks at the Freedom of Information exemption covering information provided in confidence. Summary Before FOI came along it was pretty common for those working in public authorities to claim...
View ArticlePractically Speaking Part III – Getting Vexed
FOIMan brings you the third installment of his series for PDP’s Freedom of Information Journal. In part III of the Practically Speaking series, I looked at the fraught subject of how to apply the...
View ArticlePractically Speaking Part IV – take it to the (appropriate) limit
The fourth in FOIMan’s series for PDP’s Freedom of Information Journal covers the appropriate limit – when is it acceptable to refuse requests on cost grounds? This time my article for PDP looked at...
View ArticleA qualified opinion
FOIMan explains who is “qualified” to give an opinion under the exemption for prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs (section 36). If you’ve ever had a freedom of information request turned...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index: Section 22 – information intended for future publication
FOIMan looks at the qualified exemption covering information intended for future publication. Summary Imagine that you are a famous author. You’ve spent months, if not years, working on your latest...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index: Section 22A – the exemption for unpublished research data
FOIMan applies The Exemption Index to the new exemption for research data. Summary This edition of The Exemption Index is a bit different from the others. For the first time in a little while we have a...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index: Section 40 – the exemption for personal data
FOIMan looks at how the exemption at section 40 of the Freedom of Information Act should be applied. Summary Accessing information is a good thing. We’re all pretty agreed on that as a general...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index: Section 43 – the exemption for commercial interests
FOIMan examines the commonly used exemption protecting information which if disclosed would prejudice commercial interests. Summary You’re a public authority and you want lots of companies to bid for...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index: Section 42 – the exemption for legal professional privilege
FOIMan examines the exemption protecting legal advice. Summary If you’re being sued, you will no doubt want to seek legal advice. Even if you’re not, but you want to make sure your activities are...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index – FOI Section 35
FOIMan looks at the topical – and controversial – exemption in FOI that is designed to protect a “safe space” in central government. Summary It is vital that we get back to the founding principles of...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index – FOI Sections 23, 24 & 25
FOIMan goes undercover to examine the FOI exemptions designed to protect national security. Summary Extract from the leaked script to the next Bond film: Evil henchman: shall I torture 007 a little...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index – FOI Section 26
FOIMan takes on the military might of the FOI exemption designed to avoid conflict with the UK’s defence. Summary There can be few things more sensitive in government than the defence of the country....
View ArticleThe Exemption Index – FOI Section 27
FOIMan rummages through the diplomatic bag to find out how the FOI Act seeks to avoid international incidents. Summary Ambassador, you’re spoiling us. Diplomacy is an essential part of maintaining the...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index: Sections 30 and 31
FOIMan blags information on the FOI Act’s exemptions designed to keep files that could compromise law enforcement behind bars. Summary The Kray brothers of FOI exemptions, sections 30 and 31 are the...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index – FOI Section 35
FOIMan looks at the topical – and controversial – exemption in FOI that is designed to protect a “safe space” in central government. Summary It is vital that we get back to the founding principles of...
View ArticleThe Exemption Index – FOI Sections 23, 24 & 25
FOIMan goes undercover to examine the FOI exemptions designed to protect national security. Summary Extract from the leaked script to the next Bond film: Evil henchman: shall I torture 007 a little...
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