Freedom of Information> Dealing with FOI requests

FOI requests must be made in a recordable format, that is in writing or an email, with requesters supplying their name and address. They do not have to say why they want the information or what they will do with that information. Requests must then be answered within 20 working days. If clarification is needed the 20 days starts after this clarification is given.

Processing and answering formal FOI requests is often very time-consuming. Detailed records have to be made, including who has dealt with the request, dates, and decisions. It is therefore very important to ensure that as much information as possible is made available to the public in the first place, and that the public knows this information is available. There are two ways in which public authorities and organisations can help keep FOI requests to a minimum.

• Pro-active publishing. Anticipating what information will be of particular concern or benefit to the public. This information can then be made available.
• Publication schemes. Outlines all information that is routinely made available to the public. It lists the classes of information available, in what format the information is to be found (i.e. online or text format) and whether the information is free or must be paid for.