Make a freedom of information request

What to include in your freedom of information (FOI) request

Requests for information must:

• be in writing (email or post)
• include a name and address for correspondence - this can be an email address
• include enough detail to enable us to locate the requested information

When we receive your FOI request

We will:

• acknowledge and, if necessary, contact you so that we are clear about your request for information
• reply to you within 20 working days, saying whether or not we have the information you want and if there are any charges

If we have the information and can release it, we will supply you with a copy of it, or a summary of it, or we will make it available for you to inspect.

If we cannot provide the information we will tell you why.

Charges

When you request information using the Act, there may be a charge for photocopying and postage if you want copies of the information to be sent to you. We will let you know if a charge applies to your request. Find out more about FOI fees and charges.

What we cannot tell you

Some types of information may not have to be released under the Act, such as:

• information about criminal investigations
• court records
• information about commercial interests
• personal information about other people

You can find out more about the Freedom of Information Act on the Information Commissioner's Office website.