Responding to Requests

When we have received a valid FOI request, we have 20 working days in which to respond. Our response will:

  • Confirm whether or not we hold the information you requested
  • Provide you with a copy of the information we're able to disclose
  • Tell you if we aren't able to release some of the information you have asked for and explain why
  • Give you details of how to complain if you are unhappy with our response

If we have to charge a fee to supply you with the information requested, we will not respond to your request until the fee has been received, but you will receive a notice explaining the charge within the 20 working days.

We may not be able to release information to which an exemption in the FOI Act legitimately applies. However, we will explain to you why we can't release the information and which of the exemptions apply.

Some of the exemptions which may apply include:

  • If it would take an excessive amount of work to supply you with all of the information you have requested
  • Where the information contains personal data about other people, and it would not be appropriate for us to release this
  • Where information has been given to us in confidence
  • If the disclosure of the information would prejudice commercial interests
  • If your request is repeated or vexatious

You can find out more about the exemptions contained within the FOI Act on the Information Commissioner's Office website. The Information Commissioner's Office, or ICO, is the organisation responsible for enforcement of the Act, and for investigating complaints against public authorities in relation to FOI requests.

If you are unhappy with our response to your request, our Complaints page explains how to request an internal review and how we will handle it.