Freedom of information

• Your personal data
• Information released
• Publication scheme
• Make a freedom of information request

Make a freedom of information request

How to make a freedom of information request.

Before making your request

We already make a lot of information available to you. Before you request information from us, please try the three steps listed below. If you still can't find what you are looking for, you can make a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

• Search our website for the information
• Check our publication scheme
• Find out if we have already released the information

Making your request

When you send us your request please:

• Be specific
  You will get the information faster if you help us identify the exact information you require. It will also mean that your request is less likely to be turned down on cost grounds.
  
  Make sure that you provide us with a narrow, tightly focused request and give, where appropriate, a relevant time-frame, for example, 1999 to 2000 or January to April 1985.
  
• Let us know how you want the information
  Tell us how you would you like the information provided to you, for example, by post or email, or let us know if would you prefer to come in to visit us to view it in person. We will try to meet your preference whenever we can.
  
• Provide your contact details
  There may be occasions when we have to get in touch with you to discuss your request. It would therefore help if you could tell us how you would prefer us to contact you if we need to do so.

When we receive your request

We aim to reply to you promptly and are obliged under the law to provide a response within 20 working days.

Some information may not be available because it falls within one of the exemptions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. When that happens, we will tell you which exemption applies and, in most cases, why the information cannot be released.