They said this… · Public bodies & information

“You have to explain why you want the information before we process FOI”

Generally incorrect

FOI requests generally do not require the applicant to justify why they want the information.

Not sure which right applies? Check your situation →

Why this answer

What actually matters

  • The authority can seek clarification if it genuinely cannot identify the information requested.
  • Motive can be relevant in limited contexts, such as certain vexatious-request analyses, but is not a general precondition.
  • Keep the request focused and clear.

What you could say

Keep the response tied to the actual rule.

Evidence

What to have beside you

  • The exact request or complaint and date received
  • Any acknowledgement, extension or refusal notice
  • The statutory route or policy the body says applies
  • Documents showing the decision, chronology and requested remedy

If they still refuse

Move the dispute forward.

  1. First identify whether this is a service complaint, statutory appeal, FOI/EIR review or data-protection matter.
  2. Use the correct internal review/complaint stage before the relevant ombudsman or regulator where required.
  3. Do not let a generic complaints process displace a statutory appeal or review route that has its own deadline.

Read the full rules

Go deeper before escalating.

Primary guideRead the detailed ConsumerWise guidance.Public BodiesRead the full guide.Freedom of InformationRead the full guide.Complaint or appeal?Read the full guide.