Useful Tips

You may find the following tips helpful when making an information request:

You don't have to say why you want the information and you don't have to mention the Act, but it may help if you do so.
Make your request as specific as possible. If you're not sure what to ask for, it may help to do some research first. You can look at what the authority publishes on its website, or you can phone and ask them about the kinds of information they hold on the subject you're interested in.
Try to keep your request as clear and simple as possible so that it cannot be misunderstood. Avoid commenting on other issues, if the main reason you are writing is to ask for information.
You can ask for information which the authority holds about a particular topic, but try to narrow it down e.g. by stating the time period. You can ask for information which would answer questions e.g. who made a particular decision.
You can add your phone number or an email address if you are happy for the authority to contact you this way - it may help to speed up their response if someone can contact you quickly to check a point.
When working out the 20 working days for a response remember to allow time for postage, weekends and bank holidays. Use our Response Calculator to work this out for you Response Calculator
Keep copies of all your correspondence until you have got all the information you want.