Can you charge for Freedom of Information requests?

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) we are entitled either to charge for or decline requests for information that would cost us more than a set amount, referred to as the “appropriate limit”, to deal with the request.

Is there a charge for FOI?

Freedom of Information requests – used by campaigners and journalists to ask questions of public bodies – are to remain free of charge, a minister says. Following a review of the law, Cabinet Office minister Matt Hancock said the FoI Act was “working well”.

How do I get a Freedom of Information request Canada?

Submit an Access to Information request

  1. Step 1: Complete the form. To apply for information under the Access to Information Act , complete the Access to Information Request Form.
  2. Step 2: Enclose payment. Please enclose a $5 cheque or money order payable to the Receiver General of Canada.
  3. Step 3: Mail form.

Can you refuse a Freedom of Information request?

You can refuse requests if they are repeated, whether or not they are also vexatious. You can normally refuse to comply with a request if it is identical or substantially similar to one you previously complied with from the same requester.

What is exempt from FOI?

An absolute exemption means there is no obligation under the FOIA to release the requested information (although there may be other reasons outside the act to do so). A qualified exemption means that the public authority has to assess the balance of the public interest for and against disclosure.

How long does a company have to respond to a Freedom of Information request?

20 working days
You normally have 20 working days to respond to a request. For a request to be valid under the Freedom of Information Act it must be in writing, but requesters do not have to mention the Act or direct their request to a designated member of staff.

How much do fois cost?

There is no charge to make a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act). However, an agency or minister may charge you for them to process it and you to access the information you requested.

How long does it take to get a freedom of information request?

Public authorities are required to respond to FOI requests no later than 20 working days after they were made. The law itself says “a public authority must comply with section 1(1) promptly and in any event not later than the twentieth working day following the date of receipt.”

Can anyone make a FOI request?

Freedom of information (FOI) gives you the right to ask any public sector organisation for information they hold. Anyone can request information. You can also ask for information about yourself under data protection legislation.

What is a vexatious FOI request?

A request is considered vexatious, if it is likely to cause a disproportionate or unjustifiable level of distress, disruption or irritation. It is not a finding that a particular individual is vexatious and that any other request from them can automatically be refused – it is about the particular request.

What happens if a FOIA request is ignored?

If your request is denied, and your internal appeal does not reverse this decision, you may sue the agency in the United State District Court in your state of residence, in the state where the records are located, or in the District of Columbia.