You have the right to request recorded information from us under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).
- Freedom of Information (FOI) requests cover most non-personal information held by public bodies, including information about services, policies, spending and decisions.
- Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests apply to environmental information, including planning, land use, waste, pollution, energy and transport.
These laws help make public bodies more open and transparent. We are committed to providing access to the information we hold wherever possible.
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.
Include, where you can:
- what information you want
- the service area this relates to
- relevant dates or a date range
- reference numbers (such as a case, invoice or complaint number)
- if you need the information in a specific format
If your request is wide or covers a long time period, you may wish to narrow it to the information most important to you. This can help us provide a quicker response.
You should number each separate item within your request to help us process it faster.
If we are not clear what you are asking for, we will contact you. We cannot progress your request until we understand it.
Do not include unnecessary personal data
Only include personal data if it is needed for your request.
Do not include:
- excessive amounts of personal data
- special category data (for example health, ethnicity or religious beliefs), unless it is strictly necessary
- personal data about other people, unless it is essential and you have the right to provide it
If you upload documents, make sure they only contain the information we need.
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.
Possible extension
In limited circumstances, the law allows us to extend the response time. This only applies where permitted by legislation.
If an extension applies to your request, we will tell you.
If we need more information from you, the response time will start once we receive it.
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
Freedom of Information,
London Borough of Hounslow,
Hounslow House,
7 Bath Road,
TW3 3EB
