Before making a freedom of information request you may find the information you need by:
- searching our published responses to FOI/EIR requests on our Freedom of Information responses page
View our Freedom of Information responses
If your request is for personal information you will need to make a Subject Access request under the Data Protection Act 2018. Full details about how to do this can be found on the Data Protection page.
What you need to know about FOI/EIR requests
- All freedom of information requests must be in writing. You cannot make a request by telephone or by speaking to someone face to face.
- You can request environmental information under the Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) verbally. We do encourage written requests to make sure that we have as much detail as possible.
- Responses are provided under the Open Government License (OGL). They are available for you to re-use as you wish. Where any exceptions to this apply, we will let you know when we respond.
What to include in your request
When making a request you must provide us with the following information:
- your name
- a contact address (this can be an email address)
- a detailed description of the information you need. Please be specific and only request the information you need. Not the full documents.
- the way in which you would like to receive the information. If you would like it put onto a computer disk or would prefer to come in and view the material. You may need the information provided in Braille.
Using AI to draft information requests
AI tools can be helpful, but they can also introduce errors or create overly complex requests that increase the burden on public bodies and cost to the taxpayer.
When using AI to help draft an information request, make sure the final wording has been checked and reflects your actual information needs.
Before you submit a request or secondary correspondence, check that:
- You are only asking for the information you are genuinely looking for.
- AI tools sometimes generate broad or excessive wording that goes beyond the information you actually want or need;
- The request is clear, concise and focused.
- Short, straightforward requests are easier for us to process and usually lead to quicker, more accurate responses.
- There are no obvious factual inaccuracies.
- AI can misrepresent legislation or misstate what organisations do. Review the text of your request carefully and don’t assume AI is right. If it has referred to something you don’t understand, check what it is
- The tone is appropriate.
- AI-generated content can sometimes sound abrupt, or otherwise inappropriate. Check the tone before sending.
Why it matters
We are seeing an increase in requests and secondary correspondence that appear to have been drafted by generative AI. These can require additional clarification because of inaccuracies or unnecessary complexity. This creates delays for both requesters and our teams.
Guidance
You can find advice on making effective information requests on the Information Commissioner’s Office website.
What happens next
Once you have submitted your FOI request you should receive the information you have requested within 20 working days. If we need more time we will contact you and explain why.
Most requests are free but you may have to pay for photocopying, CDs or for postage. We will contact you within 5 working days if there are charges. You will then have the option to withdraw your request. We may have to refuse to process very expensive requests. If this is the case we will assist you to reduce the scope of your request to a more practical level.
Request has been turned down
We may not be able to release certain information due to data protection issues. Or where the information is sensitive or confidential. Where this is the case we set out the reasons for withholding the information.
Your right to appeal
Our aim is to be as open as possible with the information we provide. Should you feel that this has not been the case, you have a full and formal appeal process at your disposal.
In the first instance, we will carry out a full review of your request by way of an internal review as set out under the Act. You must ask for this within 40 days of receiving your response. Please contact foi@cornwall.gov.uk.
If you remain dissatisfied, you have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner's Office at:
FOI/EIR Case Reception
The Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF
Web: https://ico.org.uk/