Any person can make a request under the Act - there are no restrictions on your age, nationality, or where you live.
All you have to do is write to (or email) us. You should make sure that you include:
- your name
- an address where you can be contacted
- a description of the information that you want
You don't have to mention the Freedom of Information Act, but there is no reason not to if you want to.
You should try to describe the information you want in as much detail as possible - for example "minutes of the meeting where the decision to do X was made", rather than "everything you have about X". This will help us find the information you need. Please note that there are exemptions on certain information and you will be advised of this.
Public authorities must comply with your request promptly, and we aim to provide the information to you within 20 working days (around a month). If we need more time, we will write to you and tell you when we will be able to answer your request, and why more time is needed.
Click here for contact details for the FOI team
