Who can I make a Freedom of Information request to?

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 applies to UK public authorities, including central government departments, local councils, NHS bodies, schools, and universities. It does not apply to private companies. If you are seeking your own personal data, you should use a Data Subject Access Request instead. For environmental information, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 provide broader rights.

How long does a public authority have to respond to my request?

Under section 10 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, public authorities must respond promptly and in any event within 20 working days. If the information is exempt, the authority must specify which exemption applies and, where required, conduct the public interest test. You should also request that they provide any non-exempt information rather than refusing the request in full.

What common mistakes should I avoid when writing my request?

To improve your chances of a useful response, avoid phrasing your request too broadly. You should specify the desired format, such as electronic or paper. Note that the Act covers recorded information only, so asking for opinions or new analysis is not permitted. Providing specific details like dates, departments, and document types helps the authority locate the information efficiently.

What details do I need to include in my written request?

A valid request should include your name, address, and email address, as the email is required for the response. You must clearly state the information you are seeking, including the specific time period of interest. It is also helpful to specify your preferred format for receiving the information, such as by email, to ensure the authority provides it in a usable form.

Where can I find further guidance on making a request?

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) provides guidance on Freedom of Information requests. Additionally, the website WhatDoTheyKnow is a useful resource for making and tracking requests. These resources can help you understand the process and ensure your request meets the necessary requirements under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

← All Templates

Public/Regulatory

Public Law

Updated 2026-05-21

Freedom of Information Request

Statutory request for information from a UK public authority under the FOIA 2000.

This template was not drafted by a solicitor.

It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.

When to use this template

You want information held by a UK public authority (central government department, local council, NHS body, school, university, etc.) and the information is not your personal data.

When NOT to use this template

For your personal data — use a DSAR instead (Article 15 UK GDPR). For environmental information — use the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (broader rights). For private companies — FOIA does not apply.

Legal Basis

Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).

Before you send

Phrasing too broadly — narrow requests get faster, more useful responses
Failing to specify the format (electronic vs paper)
Asking for opinions or analysis — FOIA covers recorded information, not new commentary

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Phrasing too broadly — narrow requests get faster, more useful responses
✗Failing to specify the format (electronic vs paper)
✗Asking for opinions or analysis — FOIA covers recorded information, not new commentary

Build Your Letter

Fill in your details

Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.

Date*

Public authority name*

Public authority address*

What you are asking for*

Time period*

Your email for response*

Your name*

Letter preview

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Email — required for response]

[PUBLIC AUTHORITY NAME] — FOI Officer
[PUBLIC AUTHORITY ADDRESS]

Date: [DATE]

Dear Sir or Madam,

Freedom of Information Request — Freedom of Information Act 2000

I am writing to request the following information held by [PUBLIC AUTHORITY NAME]:

[WHAT YOU ARE ASKING FOR]

The period of interest is [TIME PERIOD].

I would prefer to receive the information in electronic form by email to [YOUR EMAIL FOR RESPONSE].

Under section 10 of the FOIA, you must respond promptly and in any event within 20 working days. If the information is exempt, please specify which exemption applies and, where required, conduct the public interest test.

If you can provide some but not all of the requested information, please do so rather than refusing in full.

Yours faithfully,

[YOUR NAME]

Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.

Official Resources

Freedom of Information Act 2000 →ICO — FOI guidance →WhatDoTheyKnow →

Frequently asked questions

Who can I make a Freedom of Information request to?: The Freedom of Information Act 2000 applies to UK public authorities, including central government departments, local councils, NHS bodies, schools, and universities. It does not apply to private companies. If you are seeking your own personal data, you should use a Data Subject Access Request instead. For environmental information, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 provide broader rights.
How long does a public authority have to respond to my request?: Under section 10 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, public authorities must respond promptly and in any event within 20 working days. If the information is exempt, the authority must specify which exemption applies and, where required, conduct the public interest test. You should also request that they provide any non-exempt information rather than refusing the request in full.
What common mistakes should I avoid when writing my request?: To improve your chances of a useful response, avoid phrasing your request too broadly. You should specify the desired format, such as electronic or paper. Note that the Act covers recorded information only, so asking for opinions or new analysis is not permitted. Providing specific details like dates, departments, and document types helps the authority locate the information efficiently.
What details do I need to include in my written request?: A valid request should include your name, address, and email address, as the email is required for the response. You must clearly state the information you are seeking, including the specific time period of interest. It is also helpful to specify your preferred format for receiving the information, such as by email, to ensure the authority provides it in a usable form.
Where can I find further guidance on making a request?: The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) provides guidance on Freedom of Information requests. Additionally, the website WhatDoTheyKnow is a useful resource for making and tracking requests. These resources can help you understand the process and ensure your request meets the necessary requirements under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.