Make a Freedom of Information request

The Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 gives you the right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities. The aim is to promote a spirit of openness and transparency.

Your right to know

Since January 2005, any person who makes a request to us in writing (including email) for information has the right to be told whether or not we have that information and a right to see it.

You can make a request for any information you would like to have. Some types of information are exempt from disclosure.

Before you make a request

A lot of information is available on our website and this is explained in our publication scheme. The information we make available includes the following and more:

• how the council is organised
• business rates
• financial information
• committee papers
• policies
• performance data
• public health funerals

Before making a formal request for information, it is worth checking our publication scheme to see if the information is already available. If you cannot find the information you need after searching these areas, you can submit a request for information.

Information that the Royal Borough of Greenwich routinely publishes is listed in the Freedom of Information Publication Scheme.

How to make a request

To make a request for information, contact us in writing (this includes email). Include:

• your name
• an address for correspondence (this could be an email address) 
• an outline of the information requested

When sending an email, please add a title in the subject line. If there's no title, the email may not reach us. Send your email to foi@royalgreenwich.gov.uk with 'Freedom of Information request' in the subject line.

We'll let you know in writing whether the information you've requested is available. If it is, we'll send you the information.

Using AI to help draft information requests

AI tools can be helpful when drafting information requests but they may introduce errors or overly complex wording that increases the burden on public bodies and cost to the taxpayer.

This reflects guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the regulator for FOI and EIR in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If you use AI, please make sure the final wording is accurate and reflects what you actually need.

Before you submit a request or any follow-up correspondence, check that:

• you're only asking for the information you genuinely need - AI tools can generate broad or excessive wording that goes beyond what you actually require
• the request is clear, concise and focused - short, straightforward requests are easier to process and usually result in quicker, more accurate responses
• there are no obvious factual inaccuracies - AI can misrepresent legislation or incorrectly describe the role of organisations. Please review your request carefully and do not assume the AI output is correct. If something is unfamiliar, take time to check it
• the tone is appropriate - AI-generated text can sometimes sound abrupt or otherwise unsuitable. Please review and adjust the tone before submitting

Why this matters

We're seeing more requests drafted using AI that require clarification due to inaccuracies or unnecessary complexity. This can delay responses.

Read more on making effective information requests on the ICO's website

How long it takes

The Freedom of Information Act allows the council 20 working days to deal with a request for information.

If you're not happy with the council's response

You have a right to appeal. Find out more about complaining about an FOI response