How to make a freedom of information (FOI) request
Organisations you can ask for information
You can request information from some public authorities, such as:
- government departments, devolved administrations, other public bodies and committees
- local councils
- schools, colleges and universities
- the NHS - including hospitals, GPs, dentists, pharmacists and opticians
- publicly owned companies
- publicly funded museums, galleries and theatres
- the police and fire services
- registered social landlords in Scotland
You can make an environmental information request to private or public companies that have public responsibilities - like water companies.
If you’re not sure if the organisation is one you can make a request to, check with the information commissioner for:
- Scottish public authorities - you can search on the Scottish Information Commissioner’s website
- England, Wales or Northern Ireland and organisations that cover the whole of the UK - contact the Information Commissioner’s Office
Information Commissioner’s Office
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Welsh language: 0330 414 6421
Textphone: 01625 532692
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Find out about call charges