Authoritative UK websites and guides we reference
These are the official UK resources we reference when building your FOIRequest letter. Useful if you want to dig deeper into your right to request information under Freedom of Information, UK GDPR, or Environmental Information Regulations.
The law giving you the right to request information from public bodies. Explains your rights, timescales, and exceptions.
Legislation.gov.uk - Freedom of Information Act 2000 - UK Parliament
Your right to request personal data a public body holds about you. Covers access requests and correction of inaccurate data.
Legislation.gov.uk - UK GDPR - UK Parliament
Gives you the right to request environmental information from public bodies. Covers pollution, waste, land use, and environmental assessments.
Legislation.gov.uk - EIR 2004 - UK Parliament
Enforces FOI, GDPR, and data protection law. If a public body refuses your request wrongfully, you can complain to the ICO.
ico.org.uk - ICO
Independent tribunal where you can appeal the ICO's decision on your FOI complaint.
gov.uk/first-tier-tribunal-information-rights - Courts and Tribunals Service
How to complain to the government about how they handle your FOI request, along with the ICO process.
gov.uk/information-commissioners-office - UK Government
Detailed guidance from the regulator on how to make an FOI request, timescales, and what to do if refused.
Free tool for making and tracking FOI requests. See other people's requests and responses, which can help you make better requests.
whatdotheyknow.com - mySociety
Guidance on FOI requests, your rights, exemptions, and how to complain if a public body refuses your request unfairly.
citizensadvice.org.uk - Citizens Advice
Advocacy organisation supporting the right to privacy and freedom of information. Provides guidance on your legal rights.
privacyinternational.org - Privacy International
By law, they have 20 working days to respond in full or explain why they are refusing. This is usually around 4 weeks. If they miss the deadline, you can complain to the ICO.
They can only refuse if the information falls under specific exemptions (e.g. national security, personal privacy, commercial confidentiality). However, they must explain which exemption applies and why.
FOI is for any information held by a public body. A data access request (under GDPR) is specifically for personal data about you. You can make both requests to the same organisation.
You can complain to the ICO for free. The ICO will investigate and can order the public body to release the information or explain their refusal properly.
Yes, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Information Rights). The tribunal is independent and can overturn the ICO's decision if you have good grounds.