You want to make a request, you have established the request has ot been made before and you do not think there will be any un due costs or time difficulties from the Aurthority then it is time to act.
Is it going to cost me anything?
Requests under the act are free.
How should I make the request?
There are several ways you can make the request, although it is best to make it in a written format:
- Via post (recommended)
What do I include in my request?
For the request to be valid you have to include your name and an address where you can be contacted. This doesn’t have to be a physical postal address it can be an email address. Applications are always blind, ie it does not matter who or what is requesting the information.
Be polite and formal, do not use slang, nor be aggressive or too demanding. Be reasonable on amount of information requested and the time frame for delivery. Remember the Authority has 1 calendar month to deliver.
Add that you’re asking for information under the Freedom of Information Act in case your request is going to a general contact address for that authority, as then they will be able to pass it onto the relevant person.
How do I receive the information?
You also have the right to decide how you will receive the information. You can receive it in electronic format, paper copies, braille, audio format, or large print depending on your needs..
I’ve sent my request, now what?
You may also hear back from the authority shortly acknowledging your request and saying they are considering your request and will respond when they have done so.
If you hear nothing after a few days then contact the Authority again, emails can go missing and people can be on holiday!