How to ask us about official information held by us (FOI)

If you make a request, try to be as specific as possible so we provide the information you want.

Find out more about the information you can request.

Make a request

You must make your request in writing. Include:

• your full name
• your home or email address
• a description of the information you want - make sure your request is clear and specific or it may be delayed

We will respond to requests made via Twitter, where it is possible and practicable to do so. But if you request information on Twitter and are unhappy with our response you may not have a right for an ICO/tribunal review. We recommend that you request information by post, email or online.

Make a request online

Cost

We do not charge for Freedom of Information Act requests.

We may charge for the costs of printing and photocopying information.

What happens next?

After you send us your request, we will write to you either to:

• tell you we have received and are processing your request
• ask for more information

We will reply to you within 20 working days following the receipt of your request. In our reply, we will tell you whether we hold the information or not and whether there are any legal reasons which may prevent us from sending it to you.

Sometimes we may need more time to think about our response, for example where there is a question of public interest. We will always write to you to tell you about any delay.

What we won’t do

We do not have to create new information to answer your request. The right of access only extends to information held by us at the time you make your request.