How to make a Freedom of Information request

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is a significant step forward in opening up to public scrutiny the workings of national and local government and a whole range of other public bodies.

It provides a statutory right of access to recorded information held by public authorities such as the Metropolitan Police Authority and entitles people to:

• ask the MPA for information and to be told in writing if we hold that information; and
• be given that information, unless an exemption applies.

The Act gives a number of exemptions that state when information can be withheld. Some of these are subject to a public interest test, but as a matter of principle the MPA will release information wherever possible. However, if we decide that an exemption does apply, we will explain the reasons. There is an appeal process.

The MPA has a publication scheme through which it already makes a great deal of information public.

How to make a request for information

Please bear in mind that the MPA is an organisation separate from the Metropolitan Police Service. To avoid delays, you may wish to phone the number at the bottom of this leaflet to check whether the MPA is likely to have the kind of information you are looking for.

Requests for information must:

• be made in writing (by post, email or fax);
• include details of your name and address for correspondence; and
• describe in as much detail as possible the information requested.

Reasons for the request are not necessary. An application form [Word document] is attached. Although use of this form is not obligatory, it helps the MPA to respond to requests more efficiently.

On receipt of a request the MPA will:

• check the request contains enough information to proceed;
• check whether it holds any of the information requested
• assemble the information and decide if any of the exemptions in the Act apply. We may need to contact third parties who have an interest in the information during this process (for instance the original providers of the information); and then
• send the information or explain why an exemption has been applied, or confirm that the MPA does not hold this information.

Is there a charge for information?

There is no charge for providing the information unless it will take more than 18 hours to retrieve. We may charge for copying the information and postage. In any event, if there is a charge you will be contacted in advance and told how much this will be.

How long does it take?

For most requests the MPA has 20 working days to respond after receiving an application. It may take longer if clarification of the request is needed or if a charge is to be made.

What if a request for information is denied?

If the MPA denies an application for information it is possible to apply for a review of this initial decision. The Deputy Chief Executive, Deputy Clerk & Solicitor to the Authority will arrange for a review that will be independent of the original decision maker. Requests for a review should be sent to the MPA Liaison Unit.

If an applicant remains unhappy with the MPA decision after this review, a further request can be made to the Information Commissioner who will decide whether the request was dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act. To view the Information Commissioner’s website: www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk

To make a request for information from the MPA, or for further assistance, please contact:

Authority Business and Member Support
Metropolitan Police Authority
10 Dean Farrar Street
London SW1H 0NY
Email: foi@mpa.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 7202 0186
Fax: 020 7202 0246
Minicom: 020 7202 0173