The Freedom of Information Act recognises that as a member of the public, you have the right to know how public services such as the NHS are organised and run, how much they cost and how you can make complaints if you need to. You have the right to know which services are being provided, the targets that are being set, the standards of services that are expected and the results achieved.

From January 1st 2005, it will also oblige the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Primary Care Trust to respond to requests about the information which it holds and is recorded in any form and it will create a right of access to that information. These rights are subject to some exemptions which the Trust has to take into account before deciding what information can be released. The Publication Scheme will help you to find all the information which the Trust publishes.

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you are also entitled to access your clinical records or any other personal information held about you and you can contact

New Environmental Information Regulations may be introduced as early as 2003. These will enable similar access to environmental information, as under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.