Introduction

The Freedom of Information Act places a duty on all public authorities to produce a publication scheme that shows what information is readily available to the public and it requires that any such scheme be approved by the Information Commissioner:

This is the first part of section 19, which relates to the duty to have a scheme. The title ‘Publication Scheme’ may suggest that only those documents and information that are printed and bound are properly published, but this is not the case. The scheme should cover all information that is readily available to the public, whether it is in a nicely bound booklet, a computer printout, or on the authority's website.

New information will be continually being created and it is for this reason that the Act directs that the scheme should be regularly updated to ensure that the latest information is available in the scheme.

Section 19 also points out that it is not sufficient just having the information listed in the scheme and that the information must be readily available. It is suggested to make occasional spot checks on the scheme to ensure that the information is available on demand from the locations stated.

It will also be noted that the scheme has to be approved by the Information Commissioner (see Chapter 13).

What the scheme should contain

For a legal explanation of what a scheme must contain, reference must first be made to the legislation:

This, then, provides an outline for the scheme. It will include the classes of information available, where it can be obtained and whether a fee is applicable.