Does an individual have to mention FOI?

For a request to be valid under the Freedom of Information Act it must be in writing, but requesters do not have to mention the Act or direct their request to a designated member of staff. you cannot provide the requested information straight away; or. the requester makes it clear they expect a response under the Act.

What requests can individuals make under FOI?

You can ask for any information you think a public authority may hold. The right only covers recorded information which includes information held on computers, in emails and in printed or handwritten documents as well as images, video and audio recordings.

Can individuals request FOI over the phone?

All requests under the Act have to be made in writing and be legible. You can’t phone a public authority to make an FOI request. The request itself doesn’t have to say it is a request under the Freedom of Information Act, but this may help authorities to be confident that it is.

Can you charge for FOI requests?

The amount that a public authority may charge depends on whether or not the cost of complying with the request has exceeded the appropriate limit. However, a public authority can charge for complying with the request.

Can you publish FOI information?

As well as responding to requests for information, you must publish information proactively. The Freedom of Information Act requires every public authority to have a publication scheme, approved by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), and to publish information covered by the scheme.

How do I write a successful FOI request?

Here are my ten top tips on how to make effective, responsible use of FOI.

Count to ten before clicking ‘Send’ Or better still, sleep on it.
Do your research.
Take care when making ’round robin’ requests.
Try an informal approach first if possible.
Be specific.
Don’t be greedy.
Be polite.
Be patient.

How much is an FOI request?

In summary, public authorities cannot charge a standard fee for FOI or EIR requests – they can only charge for disbursements or for requests which cost more than the ‘acceptable limit’ (£600 for central government; £450 for all other public authorities).

How can I make a FOI request for information?

Or, if you want to access to your personal information, try contacting the agency you think holds it first. They may supply the information if you ask (without needing you to lodge a FOI request). Who can make an FOI request?

Do you have to be Australian citizen to make FOI request?

You don’t have to be an Australian citizen or even be in Australia to make a request. You must put your request in writing to the agency or minister that holds the document you want to access. Some agencies have on FOI request form on their website for you to complete and send to them. When you write to the agency or minister:

Where to get FOI information in British Columbia?

*Information retrieved from the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia FOI is not a process to request answers to questions or information that is not contained in public body records. Those questions should be submitted directly to the applicable public bodies, outside of the FOI process.

Where do I submit a freedom of Information request?

Those questions should be submitted directly to the applicable public bodies, outside of the FOI process. Freedom of Information (FOI) requests for records from a Crown corporation or Crown agency must be submitted directly to the organization. Most organizations have their own website with information about how to submit an FOI request.

Is the Solicitors Regulation Authority covered by Foi?

The Solicitors Regulation Authority is not covered by the Freedom of Information Act, however we apply our own code as we believe in being as open as possible about what we do. Our core principle is to make information available unless there is a good reason not to. Our publication schemesets out what we make available as a matter of course.

How does a freedom of Information request work in Scotland?

If you ask for environmental information, your request will be handled under the Environmental Regulations ( EIRs) or Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations ( EISRs ). Environmental information includes things like carbon emissions or the environment’s effect on human health.