Responding to a Freedom of Information request

Private businesses are not directly subject to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. You are unlikely to receive requests unless you hold information on behalf of a public body, such as under a contract.

If you receive an FOI request

Forward it to the public authority you work with and discuss their expected response. They remain responsible for replying, normally within 20 working days.

If you're asked to assist with an FOI request

Provide any relevant information you have that the public authority may need for their reply. They will guide you on what they need, handling process and timelines, and any exemptions that may apply.

If you're asked to assist with an FOI request, it may help to understand more about the public authority's duty to respond.