Make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request

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Barnet Council abides by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). This means that anyone can request to view information recorded by the council. However, some information is exempt from disclosure under the FOIA. 

Make a freedom of information request

Information you can request

Anyone can request information that is already recorded by the council. All of our past Freedom of Information Responses can be read online.

You cannot request information that hasn’t been recorded. For example, asking someone for their opinion on a decision that hasn’t been made yet.

The Freedom of Information Act does not apply to some information from being published, for example the personal data of others.

You cannot request information about yourself through a Freedom of Information Request. If you would like to request information about yourself, please make a Subject Access Request.

Always check if the information you are requesting has been published already

Requests for information relating to the environment may not fall under FOI. Instead, they may be subject to Environmental Information Regulations (EIR)

How to make a Freedom of Information Request

Requests must include:

  • your full name
  • a contact address (this can be an email address or postal address)
  • a detailed description of what information you would like. We can only provide information that is already recorded by the council.

Be as clear as possible:

  • be exact with which information you would like.
  • ask for specific information and avoid open ended questions. ‘What’ or ‘how much’ questions will lead to much clearer responses than ‘why’ questions.
  • provide a timeframe if appropriate. For example: ‘How many fines were issued for overdue library books at Barnet Libraries in 2022?’
Example of a well written request (ODT, 6.8 KB)

We do not accept requests that are

  • based on an assumption or opinion
  • complaints or comments. If you would like to complain, please visit our complaints webpage
  • unclear. We will contact you to ask for further clarification, delaying our response time
  • too expensive or time consuming
Example of poorly written request (ODT 6.9 KB)

What to expect after submitting your request

We will:

  • acknowledge receipt of your request
  • respond to your request within 20 working days from the date of receipt
  • provide you with advice and assistance in relation to your request
  • keep you informed of the progress of your request
  • tell you if a fee is applicable to your request.

We must supply the information you requested promptly but no later than 20 working days, unless

  • we require further clarification to locate the information you have requested
  • we apply an exemption to withhold information
  • a time extension is necessary
  • you have not paid the requested fee

 

Using AI to help draft information requests?

AI tools can be helpful, but they can also introduce errors or create overly complex requests that increase the burden on public bodies and cost to the taxpayer. The following advice to requestors has been issued by the Information Commissioner.

When using AI to help draft an information request, please make sure the final wording has been checked and reflects your actual information needs.

Before you submit a request or secondary correspondence, please check that:

You are only asking for the information you are genuinely looking for.

AI tools sometimes generate broad or excessive wording that goes beyond the information you actually want or need;

The request is clear, concise and focused.

Short, straightforward requests are easier for us to process and usually lead to quicker, more accurate responses;

There are no obvious factual inaccuracies.

AI can misrepresent legislation or misstate what organisations do. Please review the text of your request carefully and don’t assume AI is right. If it has referred to something you don’t understand, check what it is; and

The tone is appropriate.

AI-generated content can sometimes sound abrupt, or otherwise inappropriate. Please check the tone before sending.

Why does this matter?

We are seeing an increase in requests and secondary correspondence that appear to have been drafted by generative AI. These can require additional clarification because of inaccuracies or unnecessary complexity. This creates delays for both requesters and our teams.

Need guidance?

You can find advice on making effective information requests on the Information Commissioner’s Office website.

If you’re not happy with how your request was handled

If you'd like to ask for a review of how your request was handled, please contact us explaining clearly and concisely why you are unhappy. We will review your concerns and write to you with the findings.

Email: foi@barnet.gov.uk

Address:

Records and Information Management Team
Barnet Council
2 Bristol Avenue
Colindale 
London NW9 4EW

If you have already had a review and are still dissatisfied, you can complain to the Information Commissioners Office:

Email: casework@ico.org.uk

Address:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF

Telephone: 0303 123 1113

Freedom of information request in Easy Read Guide

Download our freedom of information request Easy Read Guide (PDF 2.28MB)