You have the right to ask to see recorded information held by public authorities.
\n\nThe Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act (FOISA) give you the right to see information.
\n\nIf you ask for environmental information, your request will be handled under the Environmental Regulations (EIRs) or Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations (EISRs).
\n\nEnvironmental information includes things like carbon emissions or the environment’s effect on human health.
\n\nYou do not need to tell the organisation which law or regulations you’re making your request under.
\nThere is a different way to make a request if you want information that an organisation holds about you. This includes things like your health records or credit reference files.
\n\n","slug":"the-freedom-of-information-act","title":"Overview"},{"body":"You can request information from some public authorities, such as:
\n\nYou can make an environmental information request to private or public companies that have public responsibilities - like water companies.
\n\nIf you’re not sure if the organisation is one you can make a request to, check with the information commissioner for:
\n\nInformation Commissioner’s Office
\nTelephone: 0303 123 1113
\nWelsh language: 0330 414 6421
\nTextphone: 01625 532692
\nMonday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
\nFind out about call charges
You must make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request in writing. You can do it by:
\n\nIf you cannot make your request in writing because of a disability, contact the public authority. They should help you to make the request another way - for example over the phone.
\n\nYou can ask for environmental information in writing, in person or by phone.
\n\nYou might not need to make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request if the organisation has:
\n\nCheck their website for responses to previous FOI requests. This is sometimes known as a ‘disclosure log’. You can search for published responses to FOI requests from government departments, agencies and arms length bodies.
\n\nYou can also email or phone the organisation to ask if they’ve already published the information or responded to an FOI request.
\n\nYou should give:
\n\nYou can ask for information in a particular format, such as:
\n\nThe organisation should send you the information within 20 working days of receiving your request. Some schools are allowed more time during school holidays.
\n\nIn Scotland, you should allow 6 extra days if you send your request by post.
\n\nThe organisation will tell you when to expect the information if they need more time.
\n\nIf you’ve sent an FOI request to several government departments, they may share your name and request between them. This is to help deal with your enquiry more effectively.
\n\nNo other details will be shared and your information will not be used for any other purpose.
\n\nMost requests are free but you might be asked to pay a small amount for photocopies or postage. The organisation will tell you if you have to pay anything.
\n\nCheck the copyright status of information you receive if you plan to reproduce it.
\nSome sensitive information is not available to members of the public. If this applies, an organisation must tell you why they cannot give you some or all of the information you requested.
\n\nThey might ask you to be more specific so they can provide just the information you need.
\n\nAn organisation can also refuse your Freedom of Information (FOI) request if getting information will cost more than £450, or £600 if the organisation is:
\n\nAn organisation can refuse your request for environmental information, if they think the cost of getting the information is too high.
\n\nIf an organisation does not provide you with the information you requested, you should first ask them to review their decision.
\n\nIf you’re not satisfied with the organisation’s response, you can complain or appeal to the information commissioner for:
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