Is there a time limit on freedom of information request?
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.
Who is not covered by the Freedom of Information Act?
Where a company is wholly owned by a number of local authorities it is also now a public authority for the purposes of FOIA. Individual MPs, assembly members or councillors are not covered by the Act.
What is covered under FOIA?
FOIA covers records from all federal regulatory agencies, cabinet and military departments, offices, commissions, government-controlled corporations, the Executive Office of the President, and other organizations of the Executive Branch of the federal government.
How to make a Freedom of Information Act request?
The request simply must be in writing and reasonably describe the records you seek. Most federal agencies now accept FOIA requests electronically, including by web form, e-mail or fax. See the list of federal agencies for details about how to make a request to each agency and any specific requirements for seeking certain records.
What does it mean to make a FOIA request?
Make a FOIA Request The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that gives the public the right to make requests for federal agency records. Agencies may withhold information according to nine exemptions contained in the statute. The FOIA applies only to federal agencies.
How much does a freedom of Information request cost?
If the records you request require a fee to be paid, you will be notified prior to the records being released to you. Unless a different fee is otherwise prescribed by statute, Public Officers Law §87 (1) authorizes an agency to charge a fee of 25¢ per copy for copies of records up 9”x 14”, or the actual cost of reproducing a record.
Are there any exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act?
Federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA unless it falls under one of nine exemptions which protect interests such as personal privacy, national security, and law enforcement. What is the FOIA?
The request simply must be in writing and reasonably describe the records you seek. Most federal agencies now accept FOIA requests electronically, including by web form, e-mail or fax.
How does FOIA work for requesting public records?
Although the City strives to assist you as much as possible, FOIA does not require that the City create records that do not already exist or answer general questions. Requests are processed for records that are in existence as of the date of the request . How Do I Request a Public Record?
If the records you request require a fee to be paid, you will be notified prior to the records being released to you. Unless a different fee is otherwise prescribed by statute, Public Officers Law §87 (1) authorizes an agency to charge a fee of 25¢ per copy for copies of records up 9”x 14”, or the actual cost of reproducing a record.
How does the city of Alexandria handle FOIA requests?
As part of our commitment to open and accountable government, the City of Alexandria wants you to understand how we handle requests for public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). What Records Are Available to the Public?