Each and every one of us has the complete right to request any information kept by any public body i.e. Hospitals, Government offices, councils etc.  You have the right under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) to request whatever information you need.  You can either request this information by post or via email, (sometimes there is a small charge for postage if via mail). 

If you require information that is not related to you personally, then you can send a Freedom of Information request.  If you require information and documentation held by outside office about you personally for e.g. hospital records, council records etc., then you need our Letter 31A Subject Access Request template letter. Here is a template letter you can complete including the relevant information you require ensure the request is clear and concise.  The public body must reply within twenty (20) days or 26 days in Scotland.  This can include information that does not relate to your own personal information at a Council office, Inland Revenue, Hospital, Medical records etc. for e.g. How many cases of Covid have been admitted to that hospital etc.  Simply copy and paste, place your details in the Italic areas complete with information you require in the area stated.  Sign the letter and send to the address of the public body you are requiring information from.  If it is a hospital please contact the Local Health Board rather than an individual hospital or practice.  The PDF downloadable version is available at the bottom of this letter.

**Remember to include your details in the relevant (Bracket) areas to personalise it**  *Please note this letter is available in a choice of downloadable formats to include Microsoft Doc., PDF, or ODT at the end of this letter.


Copy & Paste Letter here:

                                                                                                                      (Your Name)                                                                                                                        

(Your Address)

(Your Tel. No) 

                                                                                                                                    (Email Address:)


Dated:  (Today's Date)

For the attention of (Head of Department) (Address of Organisation)


To Whom it may Concern


Re: Request for Information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOI)


I am requesting as per my rights under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) the following information from your offices.
The information I require is as follows:
(Please insert here all clearly and precise the information you require)

I understand the information will be sent to me as requested within the next twenty days (twenty six days Scotland). Please send all information to the address above or email if provided.


Yours faithfully



(Your Name)



Download this letter in a choice of formats to include Microsoft Doc., ODT or PDF:

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