Freedom of Information

You can request information from us under the Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations.

Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act gives a general right of access to information held by public authorities including central government, local authorities, the NHS, schools and the police. It is intended to promote greater openness and accountability.

The public has a legal general right of access to 'recorded' information held by public authorities in any form. In other words, anyone can ask public authorities for any information they hold. This is subject to a number of exemptions.

Environmental Information Regulations

The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 also provides a right of access to environmental information held by us. This information should be requested in the same way as information under the FOI Act, although verbal requests are also acceptable under the terms of the regulations.

Publication scheme

Our publication scheme aims to provide as much information about us as possible. Under the FOI Act, every public authority is required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme. Should any information required not be available in the publication scheme, a request for that information can be made.

Exemptions

There are 23 exemptions within the FOI Act and if the information requested falls into one of these exemptions we may refuse to supply the information. For example information that is commercially sensitive or has been provided in confidence. If this is the case, we will tell you which exemption has been applied and the reasons for our decision.

The Information Commissioner's website has more information on exemptions.

Grounds for refusal

If a request will cost us more than £450 (equivalent to 2.5 days work) to fulfil then it can be refused.

Make a request for information

Before submitting your request check if the information you are looking for has already been published on our website:

• Publication scheme 
• Open data
• Business rates freedom of information requests
• Empty property FOI requests
• Contract register

If you wish to access your personal information, there is a separate process to make a subject access request.

How to make your request

Use this form to submit a request under the Freedom of Information Act. Requests must include:

• Name and an email address so we can contact you 
• A description of the information being requested, with enough detail to enable us to identify what is required and process your request efficiently

Cost

In most cases, information will be supplied free of charge. However, in some circumstances, a charge may be applicable for some information, for example paper copies sent out by post.

You will be advised of any costs before any information is sent to you.

Timescale for responses

We aim to respond within 20 working days of receiving your request. In certain cases, this deadline may be extended by a further 20 working days. We remain committed to responding to your request and will reply as soon as we are able.

If you don't receive a response from us within the deadline, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner.

What happens next

Your request will be processed and acknowledged within two working days.

The information will be sent directly to you at the email address you have supplied on the form.

Should you wish to revise or withdraw your request you can contact us on foi@richmond.gov.uk

Start my request