Freedom of Information (FOI) aims to make public bodies more accountable and increase public confidence.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 applies to information held by public authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as UK-wide authorities based in Scotland. The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 applies to public bodies in Scotland.

Under the law, public bodies, including GP practices, must:

• Proactively publish and update information about their activities
• Respond to requests for information from members of the public