The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) applies to public authorities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This includes central government departments and agencies, local councils, NHS trusts and GPs, schools, universities, police forces, courts, and publicly owned companies. Private companies are not subject to FOIA, unless they are performing a public function under contract. Scotland has its own Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.

You can request any recorded information held by a public authority — emails, reports, meeting minutes, contracts, expenditure data, policies, correspondence, and more. You do not need to give a reason for your request. However, you cannot request information about yourself (that is a Subject Access Request under UK GDPR), and some exemptions apply — for example, information relating to national security, ongoing investigations, or commercially sensitive third-party data.

Public authorities must respond to a FOIA request promptly and within 20 working days. They must either provide the information, confirm they do not hold it, or cite a specific exemption and explain why it applies. Some exemptions are subject to a public interest test — the authority must weigh the public interest in disclosing versus withholding before deciding.

First, request an internal review from the authority — this is usually required before escalating. If still unsatisfied, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which can order the authority to disclose the information. If you disagree with the ICO's decision, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Information Rights).