The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was passed on 30 November 2000 and came into force in January 2005. It gives the public a right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, but also sets out exemptions from that right. The term ‘public authority’ is defined in the Act and includes all public bodies and Government departments in the UK, including General Practice surgeries.

The FOIA recognises that as a member of the public, you have the right to know how public services are organised and run, how much they cost and how you can make complaints if you need to. You have the right to know which services are being provided, the targets that are being set, the standard of services that are expected and the results achieved. The FOIA requires us to adopt and maintain a publication scheme which has been approved by the Information Commissioner, and to proactively make information available in accordance with the scheme.

You may make an official request for information which is not routinely made available as part of the publication scheme under the terms of the FOIA. The Practice will publish, where reasonably possible, the contents of all requests made under the FOIA and the Practice’s response.