Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Public authority definition

What does Public authority mean? In legal practice, a public authority is an organisation that performs public functions or statutory duties, often substantially publicly funded or under governmental control (for example central or local government, NHS bodies, police and regulators) and, in some contexts, privately owned or third-sector providers delivering outsourced services. The term has no single definition; its scope is context-specific. In the UK, key regimes define it variously: Human Rights Act 1998 s.6 (core and hybrid public authorities); Freedom of Information Act 2000/FOISA 2002 (primarily listed bodies); Environmental Information Regulations (functional/control test); Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR) adopting the FOI lists; and Equality...

Freedom of Information Act 2000: internal reviews, ICO complaints and First-tier Tribunal appeals—best practice, timescales and outcomes for public authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Published by a LexisNexis Public Law expert

Practice notes

Individuals making requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FIA 2000) ought to be able to complain to the Public authority if their information request is refused, in full or in part, or if they are dissatisfied with how the Authority has dealt with it. While the FIA 2000 does not legally oblige authorities to operate an internal review process, the Freedom of Information Code of practice (the Code) advises, as best practice, that every authority should adopt one. The Code is not enforceable in law, but it sets out guidance to help public authorities meet their duties under the FIA 2000. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) promotes adherence to the Code and can intervene or issue recommendations where standards are poor, even if the conduct does not amount to a breach of the FIA 2000. The Code requires that any complaints procedure delivers a fair, comprehensive and timely reassessment of actions and decisions taken under the FIA 2000, and enables the authority’s decision to be reconsidered. Where an authority refuses a request under the FIA 2000, it must provide the...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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