56. National and local government.

There is a general right of access to information held by public authorities, enshrined in the Freedom of Information Act 2000, which is subject to many exceptions and exemptions and is discussed elsewhere in this work1. However, a body of common law has also developed, both before and since the passing of that Act, with regard to the need for, and the protection of, confidentiality of information about public affairs.

The courts have recognised the need to balance the public interest requiring many governmental activities to be protected by full or partial confidence with the countervailing