The NCVO has launched a guide on using the Freedom of Information Act as a campaigning tool.

The guide cites five case studies from organisations that have successfully used the Act to further their cause – Bliss, TreeHouse, Corner House, Campaign for Clean Air in London and Campaign Against Arms Trade – and features the findings of a survey of 45 campaigning charities.

These organisations were polled on their experiences of using the Act, how familiar they were with it, what benefits it could bring and the challenges involved in using it.

There is also a section on appeals, a list of exemptions and useful resources.

A spokeswoman for NCVO said: “While the FoI has been used significantly by voluntary organisations in campaigning, there is a potential for higher uptake, and the sector is at the cutting edge of using the Act in campaigning.”