Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Changes over time for: Section 28

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28 Restrictions on disclosure of information.E+W

(1)In this and the two following subsections—

(a)“relevant information” means information obtained by a person under section 27(1) or furnished to any person [F1, other than the Office for Nuclear Regulation (or an inspector appointed by it),] [F2under section 27A above [F3, by virtue of section 43A(6) below] or] in pursuance of a requirement imposed by any of the relevant statutory provisions; and

(b)“the recipient”, in relation to any relevant information, means the person by whom that information was so obtained or to whom that information was so furnished, as the case may be.

(2)Subject to the following subsection, no relevant information shall be disclosed without the consent of the person by whom it was furnished.

(3)The preceding subsection shall not apply to—

(a)disclosure of information to F4. . . the Executive [F5, the Office for Nuclear Regulation,], [F6 the Environment Agency, [F7the Natural Resources Body for Wales,] the Scottish Environment Protection Agency,] a government department or any enforcing authority;

(b)without prejudice to paragraph (a) above, disclosure by the recipient of information to any person for the purpose of any function conferred on the recipient by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions;

(c)without prejudice to paragraph (a) above, disclosure by the recipient of information to—

(i)an officer of a local authority who is authorised by that authority to receive it,

[F8(ii) an officer F9 . . . of a water undertaker, sewerage undertaker, water authority or water development board who is authorised by that F10 . . . undertaker, authority or board to receive it,]

F11(iii). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(iv)a constable authorised by a chief officer of police to receive it;

(d)disclosure by the recipient of information in a form calculated to prevent it from being identified as relating to a particular person or case;

(e)disclosure of information for the purposes of any legal proceedings or any investigation or inquiry held by virtue of [F12section 14(2) or (2A)], or for the purposes of a report of any such proceedings or inquiry or of a special report made by virtue of [F12section 14(2) or (2A)].

[F13(f)any other disclosure of information by the recipient, if–

(i)the recipient is, or is acting on behalf of a person who is, a public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and

(ii)the information is not held by the authority on behalf of another person.]

[F14(4)In the preceding subsection, any reference to the Executive [F15, the Office for Nuclear Regulation,], the Environment Agency, [F16the Natural Resources Body for Wales,] the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, a government department or an enforcing authority includes respectively a reference to an officer of that body or authority (including, in the case of an enforcing authority, any inspector appointed by it), and also, in the case of a reference to the Executive [F17or the Office for Nuclear Regulation], includes a reference to—

(a)a person performing any functions of the Executive [F18or Office for Nuclear Regulation] on its behalf by virtue of section 13(3) [F18of this Act or, as the case may be, section 95 of the Energy Act 2013];

(b)an officer of a body which is so performing any such functions; and

(c)an adviser appointed under section 13(7) [F19or, in the case of the Office for Nuclear Regulation, a person providing advice to that body.].]

(5)A person to whom information is disclosed in pursuance of [F20any of paragraphs (a) to (e) of] subsection (3) above shall not use the information for a purpose other than—

(a)in a case falling within paragraph (a) of that subsection, a purpose F21. . . of the Executive [F22, of the Office for Nuclear Regulation] or [F23of the Environment Agency [F24or of the Natural Resources Body for Wales] or of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or] of the government department in question, or the purposes of the enforcing authority in question in connection with the relevant statutory provisions, as the case may be;

(b)in the case of information given to an officer of a [F25body which is a local authority, F26. . . a water undertaker, a sewerage undertaker, a water authority, a river purification board or a water development board, the purposes of the body] in connection with the relevant statutory provisions or any enactment whatsoever relating to public health, public safety or the protection of the environment;

(c)in the case of information given to a constable, the purposes of the police in connection with the relevant statutory provisions or any enactment whatsoever relating to public health, public safety or the safety of the State.

[F27(6) References in subsections (3) and (5) above to a local authority include [F28a corporate joint committee established by regulations under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021,] F29 . . . a joint authority established by Part IV of the Local Government Act 1985, [F30 an economic prosperity board established under section 88 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, a combined authority established under section 103 of that Act [F31, [F32a combined county authority established under section 9(1) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023,] a fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004] F33...] [F34and the London Fire Commissioner].]

(7)A person shall not disclose any information obtained by him as a result of the exercise of any power conferred by section 14(4)(a) or 20 (including, in particular, any information with respect to any trade secret obtained by him in any premises entered by him by virtue of any such power) except—

(a)for the purposes of his functions; or

(b)for the purposes of any legal proceedings or any investigation or inquiry held by virtue of [F35section 14(2) or (2A)] or for the purposes of a report of any such proceedings or inquiry or of a special report made by virtue of [F35section 14(2) or (2A)]; or

(c)with the relevant consent.

In this subsection “the relevant consent” means, in the case of information furnished in pursuance of a requirement imposed under section 20, the consent of the person who furnished it, and, in any other case, the consent of a person having responsibilities in relation to the premises where the information was obtained.

(8)Notwithstanding anything in the preceding subsection an inspector shall, in circumstances in which it is necessary to do so for the purpose of assisting in keeping persons (or the representatives of persons) employed at any premises adequately informed about matters affecting their health, safety and welfare, give to such persons or their represenatives the following descriptions of information, that is to say—

(a)factual information obtained by him as mentioned in that subsection which relates to those premises or anything which was or is therein or was or is being done therein; and

(b)information with respect to any action which he has taken or proposes to take in or in connection with those premises in the performance of his functions;

and, where an inspector does as aforesaid, he shall give the like information to the employer of the first-mentioned persons.

[F36(9)Notwithstanding anything in subsection (7) above, a person who has obtained such information as is referred to in that subsection may furnish to a person who appears to him to be likely to be a party to any civil proceedings arising out of any accident, occurrence, situation or other matter, a written statement of relevant facts observed by him in the course of exercising any of the powers referred to in that subsection].

[F37(9A)Subsection (7) above does not apply if–

(b)the information is not held by the authority on behalf of another person.]

[F38(9B)Nothing in subsection (7) or (9) applies to a person appointed as an inspector by the Office for Nuclear Regulation in relation to functions which the person has by virtue of that appointment.]

[F39(10)The Broads Authority and every National Park authority shall be deemed to be local authorities for the purposes of this section.]

Extent Information

E2This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; separate versions have been created for Scotland only and for Northern Ireland (in so far as this provision extends there, see s. 84(1)).

Textual Amendments

F1Words in s. 28(1)(a) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(2); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F2Words inserted by Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43, SIF 109:1), s. 36, Sch. 3 para. 5

F3Words in s. 28(1)(a) inserted (10.9.2003) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 105(2), 120

F4Words in s. 28(3)(a) omitted (1.4.2008) by virtue of The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 12(2)(a) (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F5Words in s. 28(3)(a) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(3); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F6Words in s. 28(3)(a) inserted (E.W.S.) (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1), Sch. 22 para. 30(6)(a) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 2

F7Words in s. 28(3)(a) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 112(2) (with Sch. 7)

F8S. 28(3)(c)(ii) substituted by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 190, Sch. 25 para. 46(a) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)

F9Words in s. 28(3)(c)(ii) repealed (E.W.) (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1), Sch. 22 para. 30(6)(b)(i), Sch. 24 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 2

F10Word in s. 28(3)(c)(ii) repealed (E.W.) (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1), Sch. 22 para. 30(6)(b)(ii), Sch. 24 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 2

F11S. 28(3)(c)(iii) repealed (E.W.S.) (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1), Sch. 22 para. 30(6)(d), Sch. 24 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 2

F12Words in s. 28(3)(e) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 12(2)(b) (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F13S. 28(3)(f) inserted (1.1.2005) by The Freedom of Information (Removal and Relaxation of Statutory Prohibitions on Disclosure of Information) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3363), art. 5(2)

F14S. 28(4) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 12(3) (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F15Words in s. 28(4) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(4)(a)(i); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F16Words in s. 28(4) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 112(3) (with Sch. 7)

F17Words in s. 28(4) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(4)(a)(ii); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F18Words in s. 28(4)(a) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(4)(b); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F19Words in s. 28(4)(c) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(4)(c); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F20Words in s. 28(5) inserted (1.1.2005) by The Freedom of Information (Removal and Relaxation of Statutory Prohibitions on Disclosure of Information) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3363), art. 5(3)

F21Words in s. 28(5)(a) omitted (1.4.2008) by virtue of The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 12(4) (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F22Words in s. 28(5)(a) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(5); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F23Words in s. 28(5)(a) inserted (E.W.S.) (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1), Sch. 22 para. 30(6)(f)(i) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 2

F24Words in s. 28(5)(a) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 112(4) (with Sch. 7)

F25Words substituted by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130), s. 190, Sch. 25 para. 46(b) (with ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)

F26Words in s. 28(5)(b) repealed (E.W.) (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1), Sch. 22 para. 30(6)(f)(ii), Sch. 24 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 2

F27S. 28(6) substituted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), s. 84, Sch. 14 para. 52

F28Words in s. 28(6) inserted (E.W.) (25.3.2022) by The Corporate Joint Committees (General) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/372), regs. 1(2), 46

F29Words repealed by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 231(7), 235(6), 237(2), Sch. 13 Pt. I

F30Words in s. 28(6) inserted (17.12.2009) by Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (c. 20), ss. 119, 148(6), Sch. 6 para. 42; S.I. 2009/3318, art. 2

F31Words in s. 28(6) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 1 para. 35; S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 38

F32Words in s. 28(6) inserted (E.W.) (26.12.2023) by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), s. 255(2)(c), Sch. 4 para. 57 (with s. 247)

F33Words in s. 28(6) omitted (26.5.2015) by virtue of Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(7), Sch. 13 para. 6(10); S.I. 2015/994, art. 6(g)

F34Words in s. 28(6) substituted (E.W.S.) (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 1.4.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 2 para. 50; S.I. 2018/227, reg. 4(c)

F35Words in s. 28(7) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 12(5) (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F36S. 28(9) inserted by Employment Protection Act 1975 (c. 71), Sch. 15 para. 9

F37S. 28(9A) inserted (1.1.2005) by The Freedom of Information (Removal and Relaxation of Statutory Prohibitions on Disclosure of Information) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3363), art. 5(4)

F38S. 28(9B) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(6); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F39S. 28(10) substituted (E.W.) (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 12 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22S. 28 applied by S.I. 1989/840, arts. 2-10

S. 28 excluded (with saving) (E.W.S.) (1.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/1840, regs. 7, 9

S. 28 extended (E.W.S.) (1.10.1996) by S.I. 1996/1513, reg. 10

S. 28: power to apply conferred (E.W.S.) (28.8.1995) by 1995 c. 15, ss. 2(4)(e), 5 (with s. 3(5))

S. 28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (1.3.1996) by S.I. 1996/192, reg. 15, Sch. 14 para. 1(b)

S. 28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (1.7.1997) by S.I. 1997/831, reg. 19(1)-(4), Sch. 15 para. 1(a)(b)

S. 28 restricted (15.11.2000) by S.I. 2000/2831, reg. 23(1)

C23S. 28 amended by S.I. 1982/1496, reg. 10(1)

S. 28 extended (5.7.1994) by 1994 c. 19, ss. 39, 66(2)(b), Sch. 13 para. 20(e) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2))

C24S. 28 amended by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), s. 57(7), Sch. 13 para. 13(f)

C25S. 28 restricted (E.W.S.) (1.2.1993) by S.I. 1992/3217, reg. 15

S. 28 excluded (E.W.S.) (1.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/743, reg. 21(5).

C26S. 28 applied (with modifications) (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3073, reg. 28, Sch. 6 para. 1(b)

C27S. 28 modified (6.4.1992) by S.I. 1992/711, regs. 1(2), 28(3)(b)(5)(a)

C28Ss. 1-59, 80-82 applied (11.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/2127, arts. 4(1), 5(1)(2), 6(1), 7(1), 8(1), 10 (with art. 11) (as amended by S.I. 2009/1750, art. 2(2)(4))

C29S. 28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (22.3.2003 for certain purposes and 22.9.2003 otherwise) by S.I. 2003/403, regs. 1(2), 23(2)(e)(3)

C30S. 28 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 2005/928, art. 4(3)(b)

C31S. 28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (the amendment coming into force in accordance with art. 1(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Channel Tunnel (Safety) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/3531), art. 4(2)(3)(g) (subject to (4)-(6)) (with art. 7)

C32Ss. 1-59, 80-82 applied (temp.) (5.8.2009) by The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/2127), arts. 8A, 8B (as inserted by S.I. 2009/1750, art. 2(3))

C33S. 28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2010) by The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail System) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/432), reg. 6(2)(3)(f)

C34S. 28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2010) by The Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/724), regs. 1(2), 38(2)(3)(f)

C35Ss. 19-28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (4.7.2010 for certain purposes and otherwise 4.7.2013) by The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1554), regs. 1, 18, 37(1), {Sch. 4 paras. 1, 2}

C36Ss. 1-59 applied by S.I. 2001/2127 art. 8A 8B (as inserted (E.W.S.) (6.4.2011) by The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) (Variation) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/745), arts. 1(1), 3(2))

C37S. 28 applied (with modifications) (16.1.2012) by The Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/3066), regs. 1(2), 39(2)(3)(f) (with reg. 3)

C38Ss. 25A-28 applied (with modifications) (1.3.2014) by The Biocidal Products and Chemicals (Appointment of Authorities and Enforcement) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1506), regs. 2(4), 19 (with reg. 3(4)(5)31)

C39Ss. 19-28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (1.10.2014) by The Explosives Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1638), reg. 1(1), Sch. 12 paras. 2, 3

C40Ss. 18-28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (1.6.2015) by The Biocidal Products and Chemicals (Appointment of Authorities and Enforcement) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1506), regs. 2(2), 17(1) (with reg. 3(4)(5)31)

C41S. 28 applied (with modifications) (17.8.2015) by The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1553), reg. 1, Sch. 8 paras. 1(m), 2

C42Ss. 19-28 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2014/1638, Sch. 12 paras. 5-7 (as substituted (E.W.S.) (20.4.2016) by The Explosives Regulations 2014 (Amendment) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/315), reg. 1, Sch. 1 (with regs. 2(1), 15))

C43S. 28 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1101), reg. 1, Sch. 4 paras. 1, 2 (with reg. 3)

C44S. 28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (8.12.2016) by The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1107), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 1(l)

C45S. 28 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1092), reg. 1, Sch. 6 paras. 1(l), 2 (with reg. 3)

C46S. 28 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Lifts Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1093), reg. 1, Sch. 8 paras. 1(m), 2 (with regs. 3-5)

C47S. 28 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1105), reg. 1, Sch. 8 paras. 1(l), 2 (with reg. 88)

C48S. 28 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/390), reg. 1(1), Sch. 2 (with reg. 2(1)-(3))

C49S. 28 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Gas Appliances (Enforcement) and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/389), reg. 1(1), Sch. 2 (with reg. 2)

C50S. 28(6) extended by S.I. 1985/1884, art. 10, Sch. 3 para. 4

s. 28 extended (31.1.1994) by S.I. 1993/3050, art. 18(1) (with art. 3).

C51S. 28(7): Disclosure powers extended (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, s. 17, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 12

28 Restrictions on disclosure of information.S

(1)In this and the two following subsections—

(a)“relevant information” means information obtained by a person under section 27(1) or furnished to any person [F1, other than the Office for Nuclear Regulation (or an inspector appointed by it),] [F40under section 27A above [F3, by virtue of section 43A(6) below] or] in pursuance of a requirement imposed by any of the relevant statutory provisions; and

(b)“the recipient”, in relation to any relevant information, means the person by whom that information was so obtained or to whom that information was so furnished, as the case may be.

(2)Subject to the following subsection, no relevant information shall be disclosed without the consent of the person by whom it was furnished.

(3)The preceding subsection shall not apply to—

(a)disclosure of information to F4. . . the Executive [F5, the Office for Nuclear Regulation,], [F41the Environment Agency, [F7the Natural Resources Body for Wales,] the Scottish Environment Protection Agency,] a government department or any enforcing authority;

(c)without prejudice to paragraph (a) above, disclosure by the recipient of information to—

(i)an officer of a local authority who is authorised by that authority to receive it,

[F42(ii)an officer of a water undertaker, sewerage undertaker, [F43or Scottish Water] who is authorised by [F44that undertaker or, as the case may be, Scottish Water] to receive it;]

F45(iii). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(iv)a constable authorised by a chief officer of police to receive it;

(d)disclosure by the recipient of information in a form calculated to prevent it from being identified as relating to a particular person or case;

[F46(f)any other disclosure of information by the recipient, if–

(i)the recipient is, or is acting on behalf of a person who is, a public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 [F47or a Scottish public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002], and

(ii)the information is not held by the authority on behalf of another person.]

(b)an officer of a body which is so performing any such functions; and

(c)an adviser appointed under section 13(7) [F19or, in the case of the Office for Nuclear Regulation, a person providing advice to that body.]]

(5)A person to whom information is disclosed in pursuance of [F48any of paragraphs (a) to (e) of] subsection (3) above shall not use the information for a purpose other than—

(a)in a case falling within paragraph (a) of that subsection, a purpose F21. . . of the Executive [F22, of the Office for Nuclear Regulation] or [F49 of the Environment Agency [F24or of the Natural Resources Body for Wales] or of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or] of the government department in question, or the purposes of the enforcing authority in question in connection with the relevant statutory provisions, as the case may be;

(b)[F50in the case of information given to an officer of a body which is a local authority, a water undertaker, [F51or a sewerage undertaker or to an officer of Scottish Water,] the purposes of the body [F52authority, undertaker or, as the case may be, Scottish Water] in connection] with the relevant statutory provisions or any enactment whatsoever relating to public health, public safety or the protection of the environment;

[F53(6) References in subsections (3) and (5) above to a local authority include F29 . . . a joint authority established by Part IV of the Local Government Act 1985, [F30 an economic prosperity board established under section 88 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, a combined authority established under section 103 of that Act [F31, a fire and rescue authority created by an order under section 4A of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004] F33...] [F34and the London Fire Commissioner].]

(a)for the purposes of his functions; or

(c)with the relevant consent.

(a)factual information obtained by him as mentioned in that subsection which relates to those premises or anything which was or is therein or was or is being done therein; and

(b)information with respect to any action which he has taken or proposes to take in or in connection with those premises in the performance of his functions;

and, where an inspector does as aforesaid, he shall give the like information to the employer of the first-mentioned persons.

[F54(9)Notwithstanding anything in subsection (7) above, a person who has obtained such information as is referred to in that subsection may furnish to a person who appears to him to be likely to be a party to any civil proceedings arising out of any accident, occurrence, situation or other matter, a written statement of relevant facts observed by him in the course of exercising any of the powers referred to in that subsection].

[F55(9A)Subsection (7) above does not apply if–

(a)the person who has obtained any such information as is referred to in that subsection is, or is acting on behalf of a person who is, a public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 [F56or a Scottish public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002], and

(b)the information is not held by the authority on behalf of another person.]

[F57(10)For the purposes of this section the Broads Authority shall be treated as a local authority.]

Extent Information

E3This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; separate versions of this provision have been created for England and Wales only and for Northern Ireland (in so far as this provision extends there, see s. 84(1))

Textual Amendments

F1Words in s. 28(1)(a) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(2); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F3Words in s. 28(1)(a) inserted (10.9.2003) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 105(2), 120

F4Words in s. 28(3)(a) omitted (1.4.2008) by virtue of The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 12(2)(a) (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F5Words in s. 28(3)(a) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(3); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F7Words in s. 28(3)(a) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 112(2) (with Sch. 7)

F12Words in s. 28(3)(e) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 12(2)(b) (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F14S. 28(4) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 12(3) (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F15Words in s. 28(4) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(4)(a)(i); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F16Words in s. 28(4) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 112(3) (with Sch. 7)

F17Words in s. 28(4) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(4)(a)(ii); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F18Words in s. 28(4)(a) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(4)(b); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F19Words in s. 28(4)(c) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(4)(c); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F21Words in s. 28(5)(a) omitted (1.4.2008) by virtue of The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 12(4) (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F22Words in s. 28(5)(a) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(5); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F24Words in s. 28(5)(a) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 112(4) (with Sch. 7)

F29Words repealed by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 231(7), 235(6), 237(2), Sch. 13 Pt. I

F30Words in s. 28(6) inserted (17.12.2009) by Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (c. 20), ss. 119, 148(6), Sch. 6 para. 42; S.I. 2009/3318, art. 2

F33Words in s. 28(6) omitted (26.5.2015) by virtue of Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(7), Sch. 13 para. 6(10); S.I. 2015/994, art. 6(g)

F35Words in s. 28(7) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 12(5) (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F38S. 28(9B) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(6); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F40Words inserted by Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43, SIF 109:1), s. 36, Sch. 3 para. 5

F41Words in s. 28(3)(a) inserted (E.W.S.) (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1), Sch. 22 para. 30(6)(a) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 2

F42S. 28(3)(c)(ii) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1), Sch. 22 para. 30(6)(c) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 2

F43Words in s. 28(3)(c)(ii) substituted (S.) (14.7.2004) by The Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1822) art. 2, {Sch. Pt. 1 para. 8(a)(i)}

F44Words in s. 28(3)(c)(ii) substituted (S.) (14.7.2004) by The Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1822), art. 2, Sch. para. 8(a)(ii)

F45S. 28(3)(c)(iii) repealed (E.W.S.) (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1), Sch. 22 para. 30(6)(d), Sch. 24 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 2

F46S. 28(3)(f) inserted (1.1.2005) by The Freedom of Information (Removal and Relaxation of Statutory Prohibitions on Disclosure of Information) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3363), art. 5(2)

F47Words in s. 28(3)(f)(i) inserted (S.) (13.10.2008) by The Freedom of Information (Relaxation of Statutory Prohibitions on Disclosure of Information) (Scotland) Order 2008 (S.S.I. 2008/339), art 5(2)

F48Words in s. 28(5) inserted (1.1.2005) by The Freedom of Information (Removal and Relaxation of Statutory Prohibitions on Disclosure of Information) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3363), art. 5(3)

F49Words in s. 28(5)(a) inserted (E.W.S.) (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1), Sch. 22 para. 30(6)(f)(i) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 2

F50Words in s. 28(5)(b) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1), Sch. 22 para. 30(6)(f)(iii) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 2

F51Words in s. 28(5)(b) substituted (14.7.2004) by The Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/ 1822) art. 2, {Sch. Pt. 1 para. 8(b)(i)}

F52Words in s. 28(5)(b) inserted (14.7.2004) by The Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1822) art. 2, {Sch. Pt. 1 para. 8(b)(ii)}

F53S. 28(6) substituted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), s. 84, Sch. 14 para. 52

F54S. 28(9) inserted by Employment Protection Act 1975 (c. 71), Sch. 15 para. 9

F55S. 28(9A) inserted (1.1.2005) by The Freedom of Information (Removal and Relaxation of Statutory Prohibitions on Disclosure of Information) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3363), art. 5(4)

F56Words in s. 28(9A)(a) inserted (S.) (13.10.2008) by The Freedom of Information (Relaxation of Statutory Prohibitions on Disclosure of Information) (Scotland) Order 2008 (S.S.I. 2008/339), art 5(3)

F57S. 28(10) added by Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 (c. 4, SIF 81:1), s. 21, Sch. 6 para. 13

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C33S. 28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2010) by The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail System) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/432), reg. 6(2)(3)(f)

C37S. 28 applied (with modifications) (16.1.2012) by The Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/3066), regs. 1(2), 39(2)(3)(f) (with reg. 3)

C41S. 28 applied (with modifications) (17.8.2015) by The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1553), reg. 1, Sch. 8 paras. 1(m), 2

C43S. 28 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1101), reg. 1, Sch. 4 paras. 1, 2 (with reg. 3)

C45S. 28 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1092), reg. 1, Sch. 6 paras. 1(l), 2 (with reg. 3)

C46S. 28 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Lifts Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1093), reg. 1, Sch. 8 paras. 1(m), 2 (with regs. 3-5)

C47S. 28 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1105), reg. 1, Sch. 8 paras. 1(l), 2 (with reg. 88)

C48S. 28 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/390), reg. 1(1), Sch. 2 (with reg. 2(1)-(3))

C49S. 28 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Gas Appliances (Enforcement) and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/389), reg. 1(1), Sch. 2 (with reg. 2)

C50S. 28(6) extended by S.I. 1985/1884, art. 10, Sch. 3 para. 4

s. 28 extended (31.1.1994) by S.I. 1993/3050, art. 18(1) (with art. 3).

C52S. 28 applied by S.I. 1989/840, arts. 2-10

S. 28 excluded (with saving) (E.W.S.) (1.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/1840, regs. 7, 9

S. 28 extended (E.W.S.) (1.10.1996) by S.I. 1996/1513, reg. 10

S. 28: power to apply conferred (E.W.S.) (28.8.1995) by 1995 c. 15, ss. 2(4)(e), 5 (with s. 3(5))

S. 28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (1.3.1996) by S.I. 1996/192, reg. 15, Sch. 14 para. 1(b)

S. 28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (1.7.1997) by S.I. 1997/831, reg. 19(1)-(4), Sch. 15 para. 1(a)(b)

S. 28 restricted (15.11.2000) by S.I. 2000/2831, reg. 23(1)

C53S. 28 amended by S.I. 1982/1496, reg. 10(1)

S. 28 extended (5.7.1994) by 1994 c. 19, ss. 39, 66(2)(b), Sch. 13 para. 20(e) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2))

C54S. 28 restricted (E.W.S.) (1.2.1993) by S.I. 1992/3217, reg. 15

S. 28 excluded (E.W.S.) (1.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/743, reg. 21(5).

C55Ss. 19-28 applied (with modifications) (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3073, reg. 28, Sch. 6 para. 1(b)

C56Ss. 19-28 modified (6.4.1992) by S.I. 1992/711, regs. 1(2), 28(3)(b)(5)(a)

C57Ss. 1-59, 80-82 applied (11.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/2127, arts. 4(1), 5(1)(2), 6(1), 7(1), 8(1), 10 (with art. 11) (as amended by S.I. 2009/1750, art. 2(2)(4))

C58S. 28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (22.3.2003 for certain purposes and 22.9.2003 otherwise) by S.I. 2003/403, regs. 1(2), 23(2)(e)(3)

C59S. 28 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 2005/928, art. 4(3)(b)

C60S. 28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (the amendment coming into force in accordance with art. 1(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Channel Tunnel (Safety) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/3531), art. 4(2)(3)(g) (subject to (4)-(6)) (with art. 7)

C61S. 28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2010) by The Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/724), regs. 1(2), 38(2)(3)(f)

C62Ss. 19-28 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (4.7.2010 for certain purposes and otherwise 4.7.2013) by The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1554), regs. 1, 18, 37(1), {Sch. 4 paras. 1, 2}

C63S. 28(7): Disclosure powers extended (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, s. 17, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 para. 12

28 Restrictions on disclosure of information.N.I.

(1)In this and the two following subsections—

(a)“relevant information” means information obtained by a person under section 27(1) or furnished to any person [F1, other than the Office for Nuclear Regulation (or an inspector appointed by it),] [F58under section 27A above [F3, by virtue of section 43A(6) below] or] in pursuance of a requirement imposed by any of the relevant statutory provisions; and

(b)“the recipient”, in relation to any relevant information, means the person by whom that information was so obtained or to whom that information was so furnished, as the case may be.

(2)Subject to the following subsection, no relevant information shall be disclosed without the consent of the person by whom it was furnished.

(3)The preceding subsection shall not apply to—

(a)disclosure of information to F4. . . the Executive [F5, the Office for Nuclear Regulation,], a government department or any enforcing authority;

(c)without prejudice to paragraph (a) above, disclosure by the recipient of information to—

(i)an officer of a local authority who is authorised by that authority to receive it,

[F59(ii)an officer of the National Rivers Authority or of a water undertaker, sewerage undertaker, water authority or water development board who is authorised by that Authority, undertaker, authority or board to receive it,]

(iii)an officer of a river purification board who is authorised by that board to receive it, or

(iv)a constable authorised by a chief officer of police to receive it;

(d)disclosure by the recipient of information in a form calculated to prevent it from being identified as relating to a particular person or case;

[F60(f)any other disclosure of information by the recipient, if–

(i)the recipient is, or is acting on behalf of a person who is, a public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and

(ii)the information is not held by the authority on behalf of another person.]

[F14(4)In the preceding subsection, any reference to the Executive [F15, the Office for Nuclear Regulation,], the Environment Agency,[F16the Natural Resources Body for Wales,] the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, a government department or an enforcing authority includes respectively a reference to an officer of that body or authority (including, in the case of an enforcing authority, any inspector appointed by it), and also, in the case of a reference to the Executive [F17or the Office for Nuclear Regulation], includes a reference to—

(a)a person performing any functions of the Executive [F18or Office for Nuclear Regulation] on its behalf by virtue of section 13(3) [F18 of this Act or, as the case may be, section 95 of the Energy Act 2013];

(b)an officer of a body which is so performing any such functions; and

(c)an adviser appointed under section 13(7) [F19or, in the case of the Office for Nuclear Regulation, a person providing advice to that body.]]

(5)A person to whom information is disclosed in pursuance of [F61any of paragraphs (a) to (e) of] subsection (3) above shall not use the information for a purpose other than—

(a)in a case falling within paragraph (a) of that subsection, a purpose F21. . . of the Executive [F22, of the Office for Nuclear Regulation] or of the government department in question, or the purposes of the enforcing authority in question in connection with the relevant statutory provisions, as the case may be;

(b)in the case of information given to an officer of a [F62body which is a local authority, the National Rivers Authority, a water undertaker, a sewerage undertaker, a water authority, a river purification board or a water development board, the purposes of the body] in connection with the relevant statutory provisions or any enactment whatsoever relating to public health, public safety or the protection of the environment;

[F63(6) References in subsections (3) and (5) above to a local authority include F29 . . . a joint authority established by Part IV of the Local Government Act 1985, [F30 an economic prosperity board established under section 88 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, a combined authority established under section 103 of that ActF33...] F33... [F64 and the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority].]

(a)for the purposes of his functions; or

(c)with the relevant consent.

(a)factual information obtained by him as mentioned in that subsection which relates to those premises or anything which was or is therein or was or is being done therein; and

(b)information with respect to any action which he has taken or proposes to take in or in connection with those premises in the performance of his functions;

and, where an inspector does as aforesaid, he shall give the like information to the employer of the first-mentioned persons.

[F65(9)Notwithstanding anything in subsection (7) above, a person who has obtained such information as is referred to in that subsection may furnish to a person who appears to him to be likely to be a party to any civil proceedings arising out of any accident, occurrence, situation or other matter, a written statement of relevant facts observed by him in the course of exercising any of the powers referred to in that subsection].

[F66(9A)Subsection (7) above does not apply if–

(b)the information is not held by the authority on behalf of another person.]

[F67(10)For the purposes of this section the Broads Authority shall be treated as a local authority.]

Extent Information

E4This version of this provision applies to Northern Ireland (in so far as this provision extends there, see s. 84(1)(a)); separate versions of this provision have been created for England and Wales only and Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F1Words in s. 28(1)(a) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(2); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F3Words in s. 28(1)(a) inserted (10.9.2003) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 105(2), 120

F4Words in s. 28(3)(a) omitted (1.4.2008) by virtue of The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 12(2)(a) (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F5Words in s. 28(3)(a) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(3); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F12Words in s. 28(3)(e) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 12(2)(b) (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F14S. 28(4) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 12(3) (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F15Words in s. 28(4) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(4)(a)(i); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F16Words in s. 28(4) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 112(3) (with Sch. 7)

F17Words in s. 28(4) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(4)(a)(ii); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F18Words in s. 28(4)(a) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(4)(b); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4

F19Words in s. 28(4)(c) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 9(4)(c); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4