SEARCH FIRST
It may already be out there
Many bodies publish disclosure logs of past answers, and WhatDoTheyKnow holds over 1 million requests. The ICO says searching can be quicker than asking.
Find your stepPublic bodies hold a lot of recorded information, and you have the right to ask for it.
The Freedom of Information Act lets anyone ask councils, schools, NHS bodies, the police and government departments for recorded information. The guidance comes down to a few habits: search first, ask clearly, and know the next step if the answer is no.
- Search before you ask
- Keep it clear and specific
- Review, then complain
- Clear questions, quicker answers
THE SHORT ANSWER
Ask for records,
not opinions.
The right covers recorded information that already exists.
Public bodies do not have to create new information to answer you.
ASK CLEARLY
One clear request, in writing
Give your name, a contact address and a clear description of the information, with dates if you can. Letter, email, social media or an online form all count.
How to write it
IF REFUSED
Ask for a review
A body must tell you why it is withholding information. If you disagree, ask it for an internal review, then complain to the ICO if you are still unhappy.
See the numbersGeneral information only, not legal advice. For advice on your own situation, speak to a qualified lawyer or a free advice service.
FOUR HABITS FROM THE GUIDANCE
A short, clear request
goes further.
The Information Commissioner's Office gives simple tips for requests that are easier to answer and quicker to come back.
Make the heading obvious
Use a subject line such as 'Freedom of information request' and send it to the body's information team if you can find it.
Be specific
Describe exactly what you want, with date ranges and where it is likely to be held. Narrow requests are less likely to hit the cost limit.
Keep it separate and polite
Leave out wider complaints and keep the tone calm. Focus on the information you want to receive.
Read it twice
Check it is clear before you send it. If you used an AI tool to draft it, check the wording and facts yourself.
TWO NUMBERS WORTH KNOWING
People ask a lot,
and most get a timely reply.
Figures for central government in 2025,
from the Cabinet Office's official statistics.
94,526
FOI requests to monitored central government bodies in 2025
That was up 14% on 2024 and the largest yearly number since monitoring began in 2005. Councils, schools and NHS bodies are not included in this count.
REQUESTS · CABINET OFFICE
87%
Share of requests answered in time
Up from 76% in 2024. Of resolvable requests, 36% were granted in full, 21% partly withheld and 35% withheld in full.
TIMELINESS · CABINET OFFICE
Of the requests withheld in full or in part in 2025, 26.6% were withheld because the cost of answering would exceed the limit, which is one reason the ICO advises keeping requests specific.
A QUICK STEP FINDER
Where are you
with your request?
Pick the stage you are at to see what the official guidance suggests next. The bar shows how far along the process you are.
Based on GOV.UK and Information Commissioner's Office guidance for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own law and commissioner. This is general information, not legal advice.
WHAT THE RIGHT COVERS
Records,
not answers to questions.
The right is to recorded information: documents, emails, minutes, photographs or audio. Bodies are not required to answer questions unless they already hold the answer as recorded information.
Information about yourself, such as health records, goes through a separate route called a subject access request. Environmental information, such as emissions, is handled under the Environmental Information Regulations, and can also be asked for in person or by phone.
In conversation
Questions people ask
Who can I ask?
Public authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and UK-wide bodies, including government departments, councils, schools, colleges, universities, the NHS, the police and fire services, and publicly funded museums. Scotland has its own law and commissioner.
Does it cost anything?
Most 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.
How long should I wait?
The organisation should usually reply within 20 working days of receiving your request. If it asks you to clarify, the clock starts once you have done so, and it can extend the time to consider the public interest if it tells you.
Why might a request be refused?
Some information is exempt, and a body can refuse if answering would cost more than £450, or £600 for central government, Parliament and the armed forces. It can also refuse vexatious or repeated requests.
Do I have to say why I want it?
No. GOV.UK says you do not even need to name the law you are using. Give your name, a contact address and a clear description of the information.
Sources
Each figure on this page comes from the sources below.
- GOV.UK: How to make a freedom of information (FOI) request
- ICO: How to access information from a public authority
- ICO: How to write an effective request for information
- ICO: What to expect after making an information request
- ICO: What to do if you are dissatisfied with the response
- Cabinet Office: Freedom of Information statistics, annual 2025 bulletin