Freedom of Information

These pages tell you:

• what information the Law Commission routinely makes available to the public
• where and when that information is available, and
• whether there will be a charge for the information.

The Freedom of Information Act encourages public authorities to make as much information as possible available to the public. Under the Act, we are required to adopt a publication scheme that contains information we routinely make available, and ensure that information is published in accordance with the scheme.

Publication scheme

We make a significant amount of information available under our publication scheme. One of its benefits is that it makes information easily accessible and without charge. This means that, in many cases, the information you are looking for will already be available and there will be no need for you to make a formal request under the Freedom of Information Act.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has developed and approved a model publication scheme that all public authorities must adopt. The Law Commission has adopted this scheme and we use the definition document for non-departmental public bodies to identify the type of information that we should publish.

What information is available under our publication scheme?

The information we make available falls into seven classes:

• who we are and what we do
• what we spend and how we spend it
• what our priorities are and how we are doing
• how decisions are made
• our policies and procedures
• lists and registers
• the service we offer
• making a Freedom of Information request

Will I be charged for the information?

Website – there is no charge for the information that is available on our website.

Email – there is no charge for information that is provided electronically. Email your request for information. Include the words “publication scheme” in the subject heading.

Post – if you ask for information that is available on our website to be provided in paper format, it may be necessary to make a charge. Each case is considered separately. For example, there may be a charge if a large amount of photocopying is required or if the cost of postage is very high.