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Ever felt frustrated trying to get answers from your council, the NHS, or even the police? You’re not alone. But did you know there’s a law designed to help you access information held by public bodies? It’s called the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and it’s a powerful tool for anyone in the UK who wants to know more about how decisions are made and how public money is spent.
What Is the Freedom of Information Act?
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) is a UK law that gives you the right to ask public authorities for information they hold. That means you can request details from government departments, local councils, schools, the NHS, police forces, and more. The aim? To make public bodies more transparent and accountable.
Who Can Make a Freedom of Information Request?
Anyone can make a FOI request — you don’t have to be a UK citizen or even live in the UK. There’s no need to explain why you want the information, and you don’t have to use complicated legal language. It’s your right.
Which Organisations Does FOIA Cover?
FOIA applies to most public authorities, including:
- Central and local government
- The NHS and hospitals
- Police forces
- State schools and universities
- Publicly funded museums and libraries
Private companies, charities (unless acting on behalf of public bodies), and individuals are generally not covered.
How to Make a Freedom of Information Request
Making a FOI request is simple. Here’s how:
- Identify the right authority — Decide who holds the information you need (for example, your local council or NHS trust).
- Write your request — You can email or write a letter. Clearly describe the information you want (be as specific as possible).
- Include your name and contact details — They need these to reply.
- Send it off — There’s no special form required.
Public bodies must respond within 20 working days. They can refuse if your request is too broad, too costly, or falls under certain exemptions (like national security), but they should explain why.
Real-World Examples: When FOIA Can Help
- Discovering local spending: Want to know how your council is spending taxpayer money on road repairs or events? FOIA can help you find out.
- NHS waiting lists: Curious about average waiting times for a certain treatment at your local hospital? FOIA gives you a way to ask.
- Police policies: Wondering about police use of stop-and-search in your area? FOIA can unlock those details.
- School funding: Interested in how much your child’s school receives in government grants? FOIA’s the route.
FOIA vs. GDPR and Subject Access Requests — What’s the Difference?
- It’s easy to mix up FOIA and GDPR, but they cover different rights:
- FOIA is about accessing general information held by public bodies (like reports, policies, spending figures).
- GDPR/Subject Access Requests (SARs) are about your own personal data, held by any organisation (public or private).
If you want to see information about you, you’ll need to make a SAR under GDPR. If you want to see official records or statistics, use FOIA.
Take Control of Your Right to Know
The Freedom of Information Act is there to empower you. If you want to understand decisions that affect you, FOIA gives you a way to ask — and expect an answer.
If you need help drafting a request or want more tips on your rights to information and data, follow BeanSecure for regular insights and step-by-step guides. Or, get in touch — we’re always here to help make your next request simple and stress-free.