Administrative law - Freedom of information & data protection

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 mark the maturation of information rights in the United Kingdom. Together with the Data Protection Act 1998, these provide the principal statutory bases by which a person can compel the disclosure of information held by official bodies.

Whether held by Central Government departments, the various emanations of local authorities, police authorities, the National Health Service, educational institutions or by a quango, official information can be of critical importance both to effective negotiation and to litigation. Within public law, knowing the information that is held by a public authority helps to identify what has and has not been taken into account in the decision-making process. Within private law, the rights offer the prospect of disclosure in advance of litigation, not only from the would-be defendant but from third parties.

4-5 Gray's Inn Square has long recognised the immense significance which these rights hold in the present-day legal system. Having prepared the leading practitioner text on freedom of information and other information rights, Chambers has amassed the material with which to make and deal with requests for information quickly and effectively. Whether acting for an applicant seeking information or acting for a public authority that is confronted with a request, we are able to provide practical advice based upon a thorough understanding of the legislative regimes.