What is a Freedom of Information (FOI) Request?

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request allows individuals and organisations to access recorded information held by public authorities in the UK. Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) and the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, public bodies must provide requested information unless an exemption applies.

FOI requests promote transparency and accountability by allowing the public to see how decisions are made, how money is spent, and how public services are run.

Who Can You Make an FOI Request To?

You can submit an FOI request to a public authority, which includes:

• Government departments (e.g., Home Office, Department for Education)
• Local councils (e.g., Birmingham City Council, Glasgow City Council)
• The NHS (e.g., hospitals, GP surgeries, NHS trusts)
• Police forces and fire services
• Schools, colleges, and universities
• Publicly funded cultural organizations (e.g., British Museum, BBC in some cases)
• Regulatory bodies (e.g., Ofsted, the Financial Conduct Authority)

Private companies or charities are not generally covered unless they are carrying out public functions on behalf of a public body.

How to Make an FOI Request

Your request must be in writing and can be sent via email, post, or online forms provided by some public bodies. It should include:

• 1. Your Name (or the name of your organisation)
• 2. A Contact Address (email or postal)
• 3. A Clear Description of the Information You Want
• 4. Preferred Format (optional – e.g., electronic or printed copies)

What Information Can You Ask For?

You can request any recorded information that a public authority holds, including:

• Reports, studies, and statistics
• Meeting minutes and emails
• Financial spending and budgets
• Policies and guidelines
• Contracts and agreements

Exemptions: What You Can't Access

Some information is exempt, including:

• Personal data (covered under Data Protection laws)
• National security information
• Commercially sensitive data
• Information that would cost too much to retrieve (£600 for central government, £450 for local government and other public bodies)

How Long Does It Take?

Public authorities must respond within 20 working days. If they need more time or clarification, they must inform you.

What If Your Request is Denied?

If your request is refused, you can:

• Ask for an internal review from the authority.
• Complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if unsatisfied.

Template Letter

Please feel free to copy and paste, edit and use.

Subject: Request for Information on Council Expenditure for Migrant Support in the 2023/24 Financial Year

Dear [Council Contact Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inquire about [Council Name]'s expenditure related to migrant support during the 2023/24 financial year. A recent article in The Telegraph highlighted various services provided to asylum seekers and refugees by councils, including items such as PlayStations and activities like DJ lessons.

In light of this, I would appreciate detailed information on the following:

• Total Expenditure: The overall amount spent by [Council Name] on services and support for migrants during the 2023/24 financial year.

• Breakdown of Services and Items Funded: A detailed list of services, programs, and items funded by the council for migrants, including but not limited to:

• Educational programs

• Recreational activities

• Electronic devices

• Other support services

• Funding Sources: Clarification on whether these expenditures were covered by local council funds, central government grants, or other funding sources.

• Decision-Making Process: An overview of the criteria and processes used to determine the allocation of funds for migrant support services.

I understand that [Council Name] publishes expenditure reports, but I am seeking more specific information related to spending on migrant support services.

Please consider this request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. I would appreciate a response within the statutory 20 working days. If any of the requested information is exempt from disclosure, please provide the reasons for the exemption.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]

Thanks go to Aja the Empress.

Share your success stories with your FOI requests, here: The Uncensored Patriots.