Since the UK's Freedom of Information Act of 2005, which allows public right of access to information held by public authorities, considerable evidence has accumulated about the ways in which the Act has been applied in the interests of democracy and accountability. Until now, there has been little research into these findings at the local level of government. In this detailed review, leading experts in the field consider best practice regarding the operation of the Act, and examine how the Act has enabled the public to contribute to local decision making and debate local issues. The work of the Campaign to Protect Rural England is used as a case study to demonstrate how the work of interest groups may be affected. This timely work addresses the challenges of democracy and efficiency facing local services, and considers how the accountability of local authorities can best be ensured.