FOI request | ConsumerWise

Shape the request

FOI works best when the information requested can be identified and searched for.

Ask for recorded information. A public authority does not normally have to create new analysis simply to answer your question. Date ranges, document types and subject matter can make the request much easier to process.

Use your real name for an FOI request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Describe the information precisely enough to locate it.
Use a date range where it materially narrows the search.
Ask for a particular electronic format if that would help you.

Editable template

Freedom of Information request

Use this for recorded information held by a public authority. Environmental information may fall under the EIR instead.

How to edit it: replace everything in square brackets with your own details. If a bracketed paragraph does not apply, delete it before sending.

Subject: Freedom of Information request: [short subject]

Dear [public authority / FOI team],

Please provide the following recorded information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:

1. [precisely describe the first item or category of recorded information]
2. [second item/category]
3. [third item/category, if needed]

Relevant period: [date range, if applicable]
Relevant service/team/location: [if this helps identify the records]

Preferred format: [for example, electronic copies in PDF/CSV or another accessible format].

If any part of the requested information is already publicly available, please direct me to the specific material that answers that part of the request.

If information is withheld, please provide the appropriate refusal notice, identify the exemption relied on and explain the public-interest reasoning where that test applies.

If you need clarification, please identify the part of the request that is unclear so I can respond specifically.

Yours faithfully,
[Your real name]
[Email or postal contact address]

Avoid a common mistake

Do not mix your personal-data request into the same wording unless you mean to.

If the information you want is your own personal data, a SAR is normally the relevant route. A public authority may need to treat a mixed request under more than one information-rights regime.

Official & related guidance

Check the route that applies to your situation.

Check the linked guidance before sending. Rules, complaint stages and time limits can differ by sector.