What sort of information can I apply for?

You can apply for any recorded information that is held by public authorities on any topic, including paper records, e-mails, information held on computer, audio or video cassettes, microfiche, maps, handwritten notes etc. Unrecorded information which is known to officials but not recorded, is not covered and authorities are not required to create information they don't have in order to respond to a request. The age of the information is irrelevant. You can apply for information recorded at any time, even if it pre-dates the FOI Act coming into force.

Can you give some specific examples?

You should be able to find out the value of contracts, details of who the contract was awarded to and information relating to the standards of service being provided by the contractor. It should be possible to see previously unpublished evidence on which important policy decisions or decisions which affect local services were based. You should be able to see copies of inspection reports carried out by regulatory authorities.

How do I make an application? What will it cost?

Making a FOI request is surprisingly straightforward. Simply write, or send a fax or e-mail, to the authority concerned describing the information you want. Try to be as specific as possible as requests that are too general or sweeping may be refused. You don't have to mention the law, though it will help if you do so.

Most authorities will have an FOI officer to whom you can send your request, and who should be familiar with the legislation. You should be able to get their contact details by phoning the authority or looking at its website. If you'd rather, you could send your request to the official dealing with the issue, or to the chief executive or minister. In most cases you won't have to pay for the information, apart from copying and postage costs.

Can public bodies refuse to give me the information?

Under the UK FOI Act, they can refuse a request if finding and extracting the information will cost more than £450, equivalent to two and half days work at a set rate of £25 an hour. For central government departments the limit is £600 or three and half days work. Under the Scottish FOI Act the authority can't refuse a request unless it would cost more than £600 (nearly six days work at £15 an hour). The first £100 of any costs are waived. Afterwards you may be asked to pay 10 per cent of the authority's staff costs, i.e. £1.50 an hour, plus copying and postage.

Authorities can withhold information under the UK FOI Act if disclosure would prejudice defence, international relations, law enforcement, commercial interests, the economy, collective cabinet responsibility or inhibit frank discussions by officials. Under the Scottish FOI Act, the test is whether disclosure would "substantially prejudice" these interests.

Legal advice, information obtained during investigations by the police or prosecuting authorities, trade secrets, information whose disclosure would be a breach of confidence and information about the formulation of government policy is also exempt.

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