We believe in being open and transparent.
That means you can ask us for information that we hold.
This is covered by:
- the Freedom of Information Act (FOI)
- the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR)
You don’t need to know which one applies. We’ll handle that for you.
If you want to learn more, you can visit the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) website.
Publication scheme
We publish as much information as we can.
This helps you find what you need quickly, without having to make a request.
Before you make a request
The information you’re looking for may already be on our website.
If it is, we’ll point you to where you can find it.
We publish information in line with:
- the ICO’s Model Publication Scheme
- the Local Government Transparency Code
You can explore this on our transparency pages and in our publication scheme.
How we deal with requests
We aim to respond within 20 working days.
Sometimes we need a bit longer. For example, if your request is complex or involves sensitive information. If that happens, we’ll let you know.
If we need more detail to understand your request, we’ll ask you. The 20 working days will start once we have what we need.
In some cases, we may refuse a request. For example:
- if it would take more than £450 or 18 hours of work
- if the information can’t be shared
Where we can, we’ll help you refine your request so we can still provide information.
Personal data
If you’re asking for your own personal information, this isn’t an FOI request.
Instead, you’ll need to make a data protection request (also called a subject access request).
You can find more information on our data protection pages.
We also explain how we use your information in our privacy notice.
Using AI to help draft information requests
AI tools can be helpful, but they can also introduce errors or create overly complex requests that increase the burden on public bodies and cost to the taxpayer.
When using AI to help draft an information request, please make sure the final wording has been checked and reflects your actual information needs.
Things to check before you make a request
Before you submit a request or secondary correspondence, please check that:
You're only asking for the information you're genuinely looking for
AI tools sometimes generate broad or excessive wording that goes beyond the information you actually want or need.
The request is clear, concise and focused
Short, straightforward requests are easier for us to process and usually lead to quicker, more accurate responses.
There are no obvious factual inaccuracies
AI can misrepresent legislation or misstate what organisations do. Please review the text of your request carefully and do not assume AI is right. If it refers to something you do not understand, check what it is.
The tone is appropriate
AI-generated content can sometimes sound abrupt, or otherwise inappropriate. Please check the tone before sending.
Why this matters
We're seeing an increase in requests and secondary correspondence that appear to have been drafted by generative AI. These can require additional clarification because of inaccuracies or unnecessary complexity. This creates delays for both requesters and our teams.
If you need guidance
You can find advice on making effective information requests on the Information Commissioner’s Office website.
This advice comes from the Information Commissioner’s Office, the regulator for FOIA and EIR in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Make a request
You can use our online form to make a freedom of information request.
Make a freedom of information request
Complaints
If you’re not happy with our response, you can ask us to review it.
Please reply to the email we sent you and include your reference number within 40 working days.
We aim to respond within:
- 20 working days for FOI
- up to 40 working days for EIR
If you’re still unhappy, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).