Help page section on requests for material from datasets

[RichardTaylor]

The "dataset" provisions of FOI are powerful.

If anyone requests an element of a dataset that prompts a requirement for a public body to publish that dataset, and keep the published dataset up to date.

Under Section 19(2A) of the Freedom of Information Act public bodies are required to publish:

• (i)any dataset held by the authority in relation to which a person makes a request for information to the authority, and
• (ii)any up-dated version held by the authority of such a dataset

This is excellent as a FOI request can prompt ongoing proactive publication covering far more information than might have been initially requested.