Standard responses
We have developed some standard responses to assist you in responding to freedom of information requests. They cover a number of situations which might occur throughout the processing of a request and include responses on fee issues, the public interest test and consultation with third parties.
These standard responses are intended to act as a guide to the key points that should be included in correspondence. They may not be appropriate in all situations and may need to be amended to reflect the specific circumstances of the case.
- Acknowledging a request (Word 0.02mb 1 pages)
- Informing an applicant that information is not held (Word 0.02mb 1 pages)
- Informing an applicant that their request is being transferred to another public authority (Word 0.02mb 2 pages)
- Informing an applicant that further information is required before their request can be processed (Word 0.02mb 1 pages)
- Informing an applicant that extra time is required to carry out the public interest test (Word 0.03mb 2 pages)
- Providing an applicant with all of the information requested (Word 0.03mb 2 pages)
- Informing an applicant that the requested information is being withheld under an 'absolute' exemption (Word 0.02mb 2 pages)
- Informing an applicant that the requested information is being withheld under a 'qualified' exemption(s) (Word 0.02mb 2 pages)
- Informing an applicant that some of the information sought is being withheld and some is being provided (Word 0.02mb 2 pages)
- Informing an applicant that the information is accessible by other means (applying section 21) (Word 0.02mb 1 pages)
- Informing an applicant that the information is intended for future publication (applying section 22) (Word 0.02mb 1 pages)
- Informing an applicant that the information is withheld because it is personal data (applying section 40) (Word 0.02mb 1 pages)
- A 'neither confirm nor deny' response (Word 0.02mb 1 pages)
- Informing an applicant that their request exceeds the appropriate cost limit and is not being processed further (Word 0.02mb 1 pages)
- Fees notice (1) - Informing an applicant that their request exceeds the appropriate cost limit, but the information will be provided for a fee (charging under section 13) (Word 0.03mb 2 pages)
- Fees notice (2) - Informing an applicant that a fee is being charged for disbursements (the request is under the appropriate cost limit) (Word 0.02mb 1 pages)
- Informing an applicant that a fee has been received (Word 0.02mb 1 pages)
- Informing an applicant that a fee has not been received and the request has now lapsed (Word 0.02mb 1 pages)
- Informing an applicant of the outcome of an internal review (Word 0.02mb 1 pages)
- Consultation with third parties (Word 0.02mb 2 pages)