Part II of the Freedom of Information Act sets out all the exemptions. The exemptions are divided into two categories, absolute and qualified. Where an absolute exemption applies, a public authority is not required to provide the information under the Freedom of Information Act or to confirm or deny the data exists. Qualified exemptions require a public authority to consider the public interest in providing the information. Once a public authority decides that one or more qualified exemptions applies, it must release the information, unless it decides that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
Any decision to refuse a request for information has to be made with care balancing any relevant public interests. The Freedom of Information Act Request Process Map and exemption list provides further details and instructions.