Access to public information: what everyone should know

Public information is reflected and documented information created or received by subjects of public authority in the course of performing their duties or which is in the possession of government bodies or other managers of public information. It is open, except in cases specified by law.

Who can apply?

Requests for public information can be made by:

  • individuals
  • legal entities
  • association of citizens without the status of a legal entity.

However, government officials cannot submit requests for public information.

What information can be requested?

Information:

  • that was obtained or created in the process of performing their duties by public authorities, or that is in the possession of public authorities, other managers of public information
  • on the preparation, consideration and approval of budgets, estimates of budget funds managers and plans for the use of budget funds by budget fund recipients, as well as their implementation according to schedules, budget programs and expenditures
  • on the possession, use or disposal of state and municipal property, including copies of relevant documents, the conditions for receiving these funds or property, the surnames, first names, patronymics of individuals and the names of legal entities that received these funds or property
  • on the status and results of inspections and official investigations into violations committed in the areas of activity
  • on the structure, principles of formation and amount of remuneration, remuneration, additional benefits of the head, deputy head of a legal entity under public law, head, deputy head, member of the supervisory board of a state or municipal enterprise or a state or municipal organization aimed at making a profit, a person who permanently or temporarily holds the position of a member of the executive body or is a member of the supervisory board of a business company, in the authorized capital of which more than 50 percent of the shares (shares, units) directly or indirectly belong to the state and/or territorial community
  • on the presence of tax debt by individuals
  • information specified in the declaration of a person authorized to perform state or local government functions, submitted in accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On Prevention of Corruption", except for cases specified by the said Law.

Who is the controller of such information?

  • subjects of power (state authorities, other state bodies, local governments, other subjects exercising power management functions)
  • legal entities financed from the state, local budgets, and the budget of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea - regarding information on the use of budget funds
  • persons, if they exercise delegated powers of public authorities in accordance with the law or contract, including the provision of educational, health, social or other public services, - in relation to information related to the performance of their duties
  • economic entities that occupy a dominant position on the market or are granted special or exclusive rights, or are natural monopolies, - regarding information on the conditions of supply of goods, services and their prices
  • legal entities under public law, state/municipal enterprises or state/municipal organizations aimed at making a profit, business companies in whose authorized capital more than 50% of shares (shares, units) are directly or indirectly owned by the state and/or territorial community, - regarding information on the structure, principles of formation and amount of remuneration, remuneration, additional benefits of their head, deputy head, person who permanently or temporarily holds the position of a member of the executive body or is a member of the supervisory board.

Time limits for considering requests for information

No later than 5 business days from the date of receipt of the request.

If the request concerns information necessary to protect the life or freedom of a person, regarding the state of the environment, the quality of food products and household items, accidents, catastrophes, dangerous natural phenomena and other extraordinary events that have occurred or may occur and threaten the safety of citizens - no later than 48 hours from the date of receipt of the request.

A request for urgent consideration of a request must be well-founded.

If the request concerns the provision of a large amount of information or requires searching for information among a significant amount of data, the information manager may extend the period for considering the request up to 20 business days with justification for such an extension.

The requester must be notified of this in writing no later than 5 business days from the date of receipt of the request.

Do I have to pay for information?

No, but if the request for information involves making copies of documents exceeding 10 pages, the requester is required to reimburse the actual costs of copying and printing.

If the information manager has not set a fee for copying or printing, the information is provided free of charge.

When providing information about a person and information of public interest, no fee is charged for copying and printing, except for the provision of information in the field of registration of emissions and transfer of pollutants and waste.

Where to get free legal support

Everyone can get free legal advice from the free legal aid system. Lawyers will advise on the right to access public information, help you properly formulate a request, and, if necessary, prepare a complaint.

Some categories of people are also entitled to free legal assistance in applying to court. These include IDPs, war veterans, family members of deceased defenders, people with low incomes, and other categories listed in Article 14 of the Law of Ukraine “On Free Legal Aid.” Lawyers will study your circumstances in detail, if necessary, prepare and submit a statement to the court, and represent your interests in court.

How to apply to the BPD provision system: