Submit a Freedom of Information request

Find out how to submit an FOI and what happens afterwards.

Under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act you can ask that any information held by us that has not already been published available to you.

The act doesn't cover opinions or recollections unless they're already recorded. We do not have to create new information to respond to FOIs.

Requests for environmental information are subject to the Environmental Information Regulations. 

For a request to be valid under the FOI Act it must be made in writing and:

  • include your real name and a postal or email address
  • include a clear description of the requested information being requested

Submit an FOI request

You can also make a request by emailing foi@canterbury.gov.uk or you can write to the Information Governance Manager at:

Democratic Services, Canterbury City Council, 14 Rose Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2UR

What happens after you submit an FOI

We will reply in writing within 20 working days of receiving a valid FOI to either:

  • give you the information
  • let you know that clarification is needed, or
  • let you know that we cannot provide it and why

All valid FOI requests and responses will also be published online.