Freedom of Information Act 2000

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 was introduced by the British Government in the year 2000.
The Act creates a general right of access, on request, to information held by public authorities. That means any member of the public may demand that withheld information about them is released to them. 
About 120,000 requests are made each year. Private citizens made 60% of them, with businesses and journalists accounting for 20% and 10% respectively. The Act cost £35.5 million in 2005.
Although there are some groups which are exceptions to the Act, it covers over 19,000 authorities.