It replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single Act, making the law easier to understand and strengthening protection in some situations. It sets out the different ways in which it’s unlawful to treat someone.

The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, is the current UK copyright law. It gives the creators of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works the right to control the ways in which their material may be used. The rights cover: Broadcast and public performance, copying, adapting, issuing, renting and lending copies to the public.

• public authorities are obliged to publish certain information about their activities; and

• members of the public are entitled to request information from public authorities.

It aims to protect computer systems and data from unauthorised access or misuse.

• why you are using the personal information;

• how long you expect to keep it; and

• where relevant, who you will share it with.

Consumers

Consumers will better understand how they should be treated by businesses. They will be able to select the best deals and hold businesses to account more effectively for poor quality or service. For example, consumers will be able to compare important terms in a new contract more easily. They will be able to select the business which provides the best overall offer rather than simply the cheapest.

refuses to provide you with goods or services, or stops providing you with goods or services

Before the Act came into force there were several pieces of legislation to cover discrimination, including:

• Sex Discrimination Act 1975

• Race Relations Act 1976

• Disability Discrimination Act 1995

The main principle behind freedom of information legislation is that people have a right to know about the activities of public authorities, unless there is a good reason for them not to. This is sometimes described as a presumption or assumption in favour of disclosure. The Act is also sometimes described as purpose and applicant blind.

• when you are the copyright holder

• when you have the copyright holder’s permission

• when the copyright holder has chosen to give up their copyright

Applying a uniform definition of indirect discrimination to all characteristics that fall under the Equality Act.

1. Do so within a reasonable time

2. Bear any necessary costs incurred in doing so