Freedom of information in the United Kingdom
Healthcare and dental practices only have to make accessible information for the work they perform under the NHS (where it does not reveal personal data).[2] Information made public under FOI rules include written documents (letters, emails, computer files) or recordings (photos, videos, phone calls).[11] The second part of freedom of information policy in the UK, pertaining to inquiries made by members of the public, is fulfilled by FOI requests.[12] While there may be no fee for submitting a freedom of information request, institutions can charge a small price for things like copying.This reduced confusion and ambiguities, but the delay in passing an Act in Scotland pushed back the final implementation by some time.Since the UK doesn't have a written constitution, it has previously relied on legacy traditions, established practices, and a collection of statutes.[27] In 2020, Scottish Government moves to include restrictions on Freedom of Information laws as part of COVID-19 emergency legislation proved controversial and were eventually rolled back after strong cross party opposition.The report described the Clearing House as "Orwellian" and found that it requires government departments to send it requests that are potentially sensitive or too expensive to answer.The report also found that the Clearing House sometimes requires departments to provide it with drafts of responses to FOI requests for vetting.The Cabinet Office said the Clearing House was designed to "ensur[e] there is a standard approach across government in the way we consider and respond to requests".