FOI and EIR complaints
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1. Where is the public authority you’re complaining about located?
England
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2. Is your complaint about a specific request you have sent to a public authority?
Yes – this is about a specific request for information
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3. What is your complaint?
I’m unhappy with the public authority’s response to my request
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4. Have you complained to the public authority directly?
No - I've not complained directly to the authority or requested an internal review
Complain directly to the public authority
If you are unhappy with the public authority’s response to your request, you need to complain directly to them first.
Details of how to complain to the public authority should be included in the response they gave you. It will be called an ‘internal review’ process.
An ‘internal review’ involves the public authority reconsidering their response to your request. We would expect you to get an outcome to the internal review within 40 working days.
If you complain to us before asking the public authority for an internal review, we are unlikely to accept your complaint.
You can use our email/letter template letter to ask for the internal review.
[Address for correspondence]
[DATE]
Dear Sir/Madam
Ref No: [if applicable]
Thank you for your response to my information request, sent on [date], copy attached.
I am dissatisfied with the handling of my request for the following reason(s):
[explain why you are unhappy with the result of your request. For example:
- I disagree with the outcome of the public interest test because….
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I don’t believe the cost of providing the information would exceed the cost limit because…
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You have not provided me with enough support to refine my request.
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I disagree that the exemption applies because…
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I disagree with the outcome of the public interest test because….]
I would be grateful if you would carry out an internal review of the handling of my request and consider changing your position.
I look forward to receiving your response within the next 20 working days, as outlined in the Information Commissioner’s guidance:
“The Information Commissioner’s Office recommends that public authorities carry out internal reviews within 20 working days. Under Environmental Information Regulations there is a legal requirement that internal reviews must be carried out as soon as possible and within 40 working days.”
Yours faithfully
[Name]