From 1 January 2005 the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FoIA) gives people the right to request information from all public authorities. The government aims to promote a culture of openness among public sector bodies and facilitate better understanding of how public authorities carry out their duties. The Act is an integral part of the government's plans to promote open government.
This policy sets out the Audit Commission's commitment to comply with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and with government policy to move towards more open government. It aims to clarify the principles that underpin the Audit Commission's approach and details how to make a request for information. Any conditions that may apply are published on our website.
Key principles of the Audit Commission approach to the Freedom of Information Act notwithstanding the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Audit Commission is committed to the following principles:
- Openness in its publications, unless legal or public interest reasons mean this is not possible.
- Presenting its business in clear language that will, where possible, take account of people's different needs.
- Using the internet as the primary means of publishing Audit Commission information.
- Providing a prompt and comprehensive response to requests for information.
- Providing a right of complaint where a member of the public is not satisfied with the response received.
- Providing the information free of charge where possible.
Our commitment to requests for information
The Audit Commission will, as far as is reasonable and possible, provide applicants and potential applicants with advice and assistance in their requests for information.