Your Right to Know How to Use the Freedom of Information

The public had no right to most of this information - until now. On 1 January 2005 the Freedom of Information Act came into force giving the British public a legal right for the first time to access information from more than 100,000 public authorities. But in order to take advantage of this new right you first have to know who holds the information and how to get it. Your Right to Know gives you the tools you need to get the information you want. It explains all the main laws of access in clear language with practical advice on how to file actual requests. Chapters deal in depth with how to get information from all areas of public life: central government, transport, security and defense, the justice system, police and law enforcement, health, the environment, education, local government, business, and individuals. You'll find in each chapter an outline of who is responsible for what, where to go for information and how to get that information and hold public servants and public agencies accountable. If you've ever wanted to force open the secretive doors of government, this is the guide you need. "'This book is an invaluable tool enabling campaigners, lawyers and interested members of the public to negotiate the Freedom of Information Act.' Gareth Crossman, Head of Policy, Liberty"Introduction; 1. Laws of Access; 2. Central Government; 3. Transport; 4. Intelligence, Security and Defence; 5. The Justice System; 6. Law Enforcement and Civil Defence; 7. Health; 8. The Environment; 9. Local Government; 10. Education; 11. Private Companies; 12. Information about Individuals Conclusion; Appendix: Letters for requesting information; Index