The Freedom of Information Act 2000

Exemptions

There is a general presumption of a 'Right to Know' although there are exceptions where confirmation that an authority holds the information or disclosure can be denied. These are exemptions.

There are two categories of exempt information under the Act.

  • Qualified Exemptions, and
  • Absolute Exemptions

Qualified Exemptions

In the case of qualified exemptions an Authority must firstly identify a possible exemption and then decide whether the public interest is served by refusing the confirmation or disclosure.

Whilst there are a number of possible qualified exemptions, the ones most likely to apply in the case of West Yorkshire Joint Services are:

  • Investigations and proceedings
  • Law enforcement
  • Audit functions
  • Health and safety
  • Some personal information
  • Commercial interests

Absolute Exemptions

In the case of absolute exemptions, an Authority cannot make a disclosure.

The ones most likely to apply to West Yorkshire Joint Services are:

  • Information accessible by other means eg on a website
  • Information intended for future publication
  • Court records
  • Personal information (covered by Data Protection Act provisions)
  • Information provided in confidence
  • Information whose disclosure is prohibited by law

Where we are claiming an exemption under the Act, we will inform you of the specific exemption which we are claiming and why it applies. This will be done within 20 working days.

For a full list of exemptions click here.

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