Page 255 - Law and the Media

Law and the Media
Statutory and other restrictions
The Code limits access to information whose disclosure is prohibited by or under any
enactment, regulation, European Community law or international agreement, and informa-
tion whose release would constitute a breach of Parliamentary Privilege.

14.2.4 Applications for information

Application
The Home Office provides a form for applicants to request information, which is available
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on its web site. This form can be used to request information from any government
departments, agencies and public bodies that come under the jurisdiction of the
Parliamentary Ombudsman.

It is not compulsory for applicants to use the proposed form. However, in practice, use of the
form will make it easier for the department, agency or public authority concerned to respond
to the request promptly and efficiently. The more precise the request, the better the response
is likely to be. Applicants should be as specific as possible about the decision, law or policy
they seek information in respect of, and, if possible, should give names, dates and places.

Delay
Information will be provided as soon as practicable. The target for a response to simple
requests for information is 20 working days from the date of receipt of the request. This
target may need to be extended when significant search or collation of material is required.
Where information cannot be provided under the terms of the Code, an explanation will
normally be given.

Fees
Each government department, agency and public authority makes its own arrangements for
fees. Details of fees are available on request. Fee schemes may include a standard charge for
processing simple requests for information. Where a request is complex and requires
extensive searches of records, or processing or collation of information, an additional fee
reflecting reasonable costs may be charged.

14.2.5 Enforcement

Any complaint that information that should have been provided under the Code has not been
provided or that an unreasonable fee has been charged should be made in the first instance
to the government department, agency or public authority concerned.

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The web site is at www.homeoffice.gov.uk.
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