Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) gives you the right to request information held by Hillingdon Council.
You have a right to information that is relevant to your request (subject to certain exemptions). The Act does not give an automatic right to Council documents or information we hold about other people.
Under the Data Protection Act you can access personal information about yourself or access CCTV footage.
Information on CCTV in Hillingdon
Before you make an information request
Hillingdon Council already publishes a lot of information which may answer your query. Please check before you send in your request. The best places to look for information we hold are:
Who can make a Freedom of Information request?
Anyone can ask for information under the FOI Act.
How do I make a request?
The easiest way to make an FOI request is by using our online request form.
You can also submit your request by email or by post. We cannot accept requests by phone.
- Email: foi@hillingdon.gov.uk
- In writing: Freedom of Information, 3E/04, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, Middx, UB8 1UW
Your request must be in writing and must include:
- your name
- your address
- a detailed description of the information you are requesting
- any preferred format in which to receive the information
Please be as specific and give as much detail as possible in your request to enable us to locate the information you require.
If we don't have enough information to find what you want we may need to come back to you with some questions.
How long will it take to get the information?
We will acknowledge your request within 5 working days.
Under the FOI Act 2000, we must respond to you within 20 working days. We will let you know if we can provide the information requested, or explain why we can't.
Is there a charge for information?
We will not charge for information unless there is a substantial cost involved in providing it. If the work needed to provide the information costs more than £450, we may ask you to pay the cost before we provide the information.
What happens if my request is refused?
In certain circumstances your request may be refused. We may refuse a request for information if it is:
- vexatious or repeated
- where we have asked for more information and you have not provided it
- where a fee is due but has not been paid
- where the cost of providing the information would be excessive
If your request is refused, we will explain why and give you details of how to get the decision reviewed.
Making a complaint
We will always try to help you with queries and requests for information. If you are not satisfied with our response you should put your complaint in writing, within two months, to:
- Office Managing Partner, Legal Services, Civic Centre, High St, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW
- or via email to: foi@hillingdon.gov.uk marked for the attention of the Office Managing Partner
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint, you may wish to contact the Information Commissioner, who can be contacted at:
- Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF
- Tel: 01625 545 700
- Fax: 01625 545 510
- www.ico.co.uk