How to request government information
(under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004)

• How to request information
• Information provided free of charge
• Charges
• Appeals against charges or requests for information refused

How to request information

This guidance explains the procedures we operate to help you to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (the Regulations).

If you would like to request information, you should either contact the part of Defra which deals with the subject matter you are interested in (check the relevant part of the website) or, alternatively, contact:

Defra Information Resource Centre
Lower Ground Floor
Ergon House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR

Tel: 020 7238 6575
Email: defra.library@defra.gsi.gov.uk

• Request form

We will deal with your request as quickly as we can, and will aim to let you have a full response at the latest within 20 working days. If for any reason we are unable to let you have a response within 20 working days we will contact you as soon as possible explaining the reasons for this.

Information provided free of charge

There is no charge where the provision of information is necessary to the fair and accountable performance of the Department's function. This includes information explaining:

• benefits, rights and entitlements;
• standards and availability of services;
• reasons for administrative decisions concerning the applicants;
• rights to appeal or complain about a decision;
• regulatory requirements affecting the affairs or interests of the applicant; and
• the main points of existing departmental policies or initiatives.

Charges

We will aim to provide information free of charge wherever we can. However, it is possible that we may need to charge for requests, and in some cases refuse them, if providing the information would involve a substantial diversion of resources. In such circumstances we will always provide advice and assistance to help applicants narrow down or clarify their request before charging or refusing the request.

The Act and the Regulations do not entitle applicants to free copies of priced Government publications, or to free use of services for which there is normally a charge.

Appeals against charges or requests for information refused

You may ask the Department to review a charge made under the Act or the Regulations, or a request for information that has been refused if you believe either to be unreasonable. Appeals should be made in writing to:

Lewis Baker
Access to Information Unit
Defra
Area 1/E West Block
3 - 8 Whitehall Place
London SW1A 2HH
Fax: 020 7270 8970

Email: accesstoinfo@defra.gsi.gov.uk

If, having heard the outcome of an appeal, you remain dissatisfied, you can refer your case to the Information Commissioner at:

Office for the Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF