FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 1992 - SECT 18

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 1992 - SECT 18

18 .         Deposit for charges, agency may require etc.

        (1)         The agency may, in a notice given to an applicant under section 17(3), require the applicant to pay a deposit of a prescribed amount or at a prescribed rate on account of the charges for dealing with the application.

        (2)         If the agency has required an applicant to pay a deposit on account of the charges, the agency has to, at the request of the applicant, discuss with the applicant practicable alternatives for changing the application or reducing the anticipated charges, including reduction of the charges if the applicant waives, either conditionally or unconditionally, the need for compliance by the agency with the time limit imposed by section 13(1).

        (3)         A notice under subsection (1) requiring an applicant to pay a deposit has to give details of —

            (a)         the name and designation of the person who calculated the charge; and

            (b)         the rights of review under this Act and the procedure to be followed to exercise those rights; and

            (c)         the requirements of section 19(2)(b).

        (4)         Further advance deposits may be required by the agency by written notice if the agency considers they are necessary to meet the charges for dealing with the application.