Freedom of Information and Data Protection

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Data protection Act 1998 give people the right to see or receive information.

The Freedom of Information Act gives the public the right to see official information held by public authorities and includes information held by Companies House.

The Data Protection Act allows a member of the public to see the personal information that is held about them by organisations of all types, including Companies House.

Official Information

The Freedom of Information Act came fully into force in January 2005.  It gives the public the right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, and also sets out exemptions from that right. Its aim is to promote openness in the public sector which includes government departments such as Companies House. The Act helps the public to get a better understanding of how public authorities carry out their duties, why they make their decisions and how they spend their money.

Personal Information

The Data Protection Act gives individuals the right to know what information is held about them, and sets out rules to make sure that this information is handled properly.  Organisations, including Companies House, that hold personal information are responsible for ensuring that the information is used fairly, is kept secure, is accurate and is up to date. 

For more information on these Acts visit these sites:

Freedom of Information Act
Data Protection Act 1998
Information Commissioners Office
Ministry of Justice

Companies House already makes information routinely available through its products and services, Publication Scheme and list of information (previously released under the Freedom of Information Act). If any information is not currently available via these methods then the public have the right to ask Companies House to make that information available.

How do I access information?