How it works
- Ask for records, not opinions. Ask for documents that already exist: dates, titles of advice, the last review of a decision.
- Keep it short and specific. Name the decision, the time period and the kind of document.
- Use your own words. A request in your own words is harder to dismiss as a campaign.
- Do it in public if you like. WhatDoTheyKnow sends your request and publishes the reply, so everyone can read it.
Explore the detail
- The right comes from the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and UK-wide bodies). Scotland has its own Act for Scottish bodies.
- Most bodies must reply within 20 working days. Some information can be withheld under exemptions, and they must tell you which.
- If you're unhappy with the answer, ask for an internal review, then you can complain to the Information Commission (the ICO).
Explorer Pointers: ICO: official information and your rights (opens in new tab) · Freedom of Information Act 2000 (opens in new tab) · WhatDoTheyKnow (opens in new tab)
Our templates
Coming soon
Ready-made request templates for each law card and profile are being checked. Each one will link from its card.