The ACNRA is an independent body which advises the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on issues relating to access to public records and represents the public interest in deciding what records should be open or closed. It was established by the Public Records Act 1958 as a non-departmental public body. The Council scrutinises the deposit of Government papers into the National Archives; it also adjudicates on requests from Government departments for retaining papers. The Council deals with Freedom of Information requests in a host of areas, including security, defence, law enforcement, diplomatic relations with other countries, and matters affecting the Royal Household.