Last reviewed March 2026 — LetterSure editorial team
Any public body in the UK must respond to a Freedom of Information request within 20 working days. Here is how to write one that gets results — and what to do if they refuse.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, any person can request information held by a public body in the UK. This includes councils, NHS trusts, government departments, police forces, schools, and universities. The public body must respond within 20 working days and the request is free. You do not need to give a reason for asking.
FOI requests are a powerful tool for holding public bodies to account. They are used by journalists, researchers, campaigners, and ordinary members of the public to find out how public money is being spent, what decisions have been made, and what information public bodies hold.
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Generate my FOI request — £6.99Local councils
Any district, borough, county, or unitary council in England, Wales, or Scotland.
NHS trusts and health bodies
Hospital trusts, clinical commissioning groups, and other NHS organisations.
Government departments
Any central government department including HMRC, the Home Office, and the DWP.
Police forces
Any police force or police and crime commissioner in the UK.
Schools and universities
State-funded schools, academies, further education colleges, and universities.
Other public bodies
Any body that exercises public functions or is funded by public money.
Your name and contact details
The public body needs to know who to respond to.
A clear description of the information you want
Be as specific as possible — vague requests are harder to fulfil and easier to refuse.
A date range if relevant
Specify the time period the information relates to if applicable.
Your preferred format
State if you want the information in a specific format — spreadsheet, PDF, email, etc.
A statement that it is an FOI request
Clearly state you are making a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Public bodies can only refuse an FOI request on specific grounds set out in the Act — such as commercial sensitivity, personal data, or cost. If your request is refused they must tell you which exemption applies and how to request an internal review.
If you are unhappy with the internal review outcome, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office. The ICO is the UK's data protection and freedom of information regulator and can require public bodies to release information if they find the refusal was unjustified.
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What is a Freedom of Information request?
A formal request for information held by a public body under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Any public body must respond within 20 working days. The request is free and you do not need to give a reason.
Who can I send an FOI request to?
Any public authority including councils, NHS trusts, government departments, police forces, schools, and universities. The Act does not apply to private companies.
How long does a public body have to respond?
20 working days. If they need more time they must tell you within 20 working days and give a revised timescale. If they do not respond you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office.
Can a public body refuse my FOI request?
Yes but only on specific grounds — commercial sensitivity, personal data, or cost. They must explain which exemption applies. You can request an internal review and then complain to the ICO if still unhappy.
Is there a charge for an FOI request?
In most cases no. A charge may apply if the cost of finding and providing the information exceeds £600 for central government or £450 for other public bodies. If so they can refuse or ask you to narrow your request.
This guide is for general information only. LetterSure letters are personal correspondence drafts and do not constitute legal advice. For legal matters consult a qualified solicitor at solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk.