Bevan Brittan LLP

Requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FIA 2000) cover all aspects of public work. Where the request under FIA 2000 is ambiguous, the receiving public authority should seek clarification from the requester and provide advice and assistance to help phrase the request in clearer terms. This Practice Note considers how to read a request objectively, what to look out for in ambiguous wording, how to request clarification and the effect of seeking clarification on the timetable for responding.

This Practice Note considers the provisions for refusing vexatious or repeated requests under section 14 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

This Practice Note considers some of the most common procedural traps and issues that public authorities and requesters may face in relation to requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (also known as FOI requests). It refers to guidance and decisions of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to illustrate common pitfalls and distinctions made in practice.