How you can request data or information from us through the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
FOI and EIR legislation aims to increase the transparency of the workings of government departments and public bodies, including local councils.
We are committed to openness and transparency. As part of this commitment, we recognise your right to request and receive non-personal information we hold.
Before you start
If you want to know information we hold about you, you need to make a subject access request.
We aim to provide as much information as possible on this website. This means you may be able to find it without needing to submit a request for information. This can save you time and help us reduce costs, meaning there are more funds available to provide essential services.
Before you make a request, you should first:
- search the website for general information about our services
- check to see if we have already published the information or data
- consider that we may not be able to provide the information you need
We are not required to respond to requests for information that:
- we do not already hold
- is held by another public body
- would be harmful to another person
- would be against the public interest to disclose
- would take too long or be too expensive to release
- has already been requested by the same person
- appear to be vexatious in intent
For more information about FOI, exemptions and requesting information from public bodies, see the Information Commissioner's Office guidance.
Make your request
You must make a request in writing. The most efficient way to make a request is through our online form.
When you make your request, you'll need to give a clear, detailed and specific description of the information you need. This helps us respond quickly and accurately, without needing to come back to you for clarification.
You should number each separate item within your request to help us process it faster.
We'll also need to know your:
- full, real name
- email address
- telephone number, in case we need to contact you to discuss your request
You should also let us know if you wish to receive the information in a special format or via a method other than email.
Or, make your request another way.
After your request
We are required to respond to your request within 20 working days of receiving it. This response time starts when we receive the request, or after:
- we receive payment, if payment is required (see: Charging for requests)
- you've clarified your requirements, if we request any clarification
If we haven't responded within 20 working days, you should contact us.
If we cannot give you any of the information you requested, we will explain our decision. If the information is exempt under the FOI Act 2000, we will explain which exemption applies and why.
Charging for requests
We usually supply information free of charge, under the Open Government Licence.
However, we reserve the right to charge as set out in the FOI Act 2000. We will request payment before providing the information.
Copyright and reuse of public sector information
We may release information that we hold the copyright for, but this does not automatically mean you have permission to reproduce it.
Where we hold copyright, you may use and re-use information under the conditions of the Open Government Licence. The use of the information indicates your acceptance of the terms and conditions of the licence. The exceptions to this will be where a third party (for example, Ordnance Survey) owns the data.
If you are unsure, contact the information governance team for more information:
Contact
It's most efficient to make a request online. However, to make a request or an enquiry about a request, you can also contact us by:
- email: foi@hounslow.gov.uk
- post at the address below
Customer Relations Team,
London Borough of Hounslow,
Hounslow House,
7 Bath Road,
TW3 3EB
