Making a Freedom of Information Request
How to request information from a public body under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Overview
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives you the right to request information held by public authorities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This includes government departments, local councils, the NHS, schools, and the police. The authority must respond within 20 working days.
Step-by-Step Process
Identify the Public Authority
Determine which public body holds the information you want. The FOI Act applies to all public authorities including government departments, NHS bodies, local councils, police, and schools.
Write Your Request
Send a written request (email or letter) describing the information you want. Be as specific as possible. You do not need to give a reason for your request.
Authority Must Respond
The public authority must confirm whether it holds the information and provide it within 20 working days. They can extend this for complex requests involving a public interest test.
Review the Response
Check whether the information has been provided in full. Some information may be redacted under exemptions (national security, personal data, commercial interests, etc.).
Request an Internal Review
If you are not satisfied with the response, ask the authority for an internal review within 40 working days of the original response.
Complain to the ICO
If the internal review is unsatisfactory, complain to the Information Commissioner's Office. The ICO can order disclosure.
Costs
Important Warnings
Public authorities can refuse requests that would cost more than £450 (central government: £600) to comply with.
Personal data about yourself is not covered by the FOI Act — use a Subject Access Request instead.