Changes to the 30 year transfer rule for government records

07 January

As part of a number of changes to the Freedom of Information and Public Records Acts announced today, government departments will begin transferring records to The National Archives in a phased approach reducing the 30 year rule to 20 years. This will result in much earlier access to large numbers of government records.

From 2013, the current aim is to transfer two years' worth of government records to The National Archives per year over a ten year period. 

This is a significant piece of work and The National Archives will work with government departments and other records-holding bodies to ensure they are able to implement the changes as efficiently as possible. 

Oliver Morley, Acting Chief Executive of The National Archives, said: 'We look forward to working with government to implement these changes and will play a pivotal role in smoothing the transition for the records bodies involved.'

Full details of all the changes to the Freedom of Information and Public Records Acts, can be found on The Ministry of Justice website.

The announcement follows completion of a review of the 30 year rule in 2008. View further information about the 30 year rule and its review.