You can make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to ask for any information we hold, unless it is about yourself. You do not need to give a reason.
You can also ask for information about environmental matters by making an Environmental Information Request. Where we talk about FOI requests on this page, it applies to Environmental Information Requests as well.
The Information Commissioner’s website has more information about how to access information from a public authority.
When not to make a FOI request
To ask for information that we hold about you, please make a Data Subject Request instead.
You should not make a FOI request to ask us about a service you’re receiving.
Contact the service directly for requests about your:
Before making a FOI request
Before making a FOI request, check if the information is already available online.
You can:
- find information about the council
- search previous responses with our FOI search tool
- search our open data portal
- apply to search the Local Land Charges register
For information about road schemes, you can:
- find out about safer travel projects in Camden
- view a map of safe and healthy street schemes
- read our transport strategies and plans
Make an FOI request
Alternatively, you can:
- email your request to foi@camden.gov.uk
- send your request by post to The Town Hall, Judd Street, London, WC1H 9JE
You should include:
- your name
- your email address, or postal address if you don’t have one
- a clear description of the information you need
- how you would like to receive the information, for example as a spreadsheet
The fastest and most environmentally friendly way to make a request is by using our online form or by email. We will respond to your request by email, unless you specify otherwise.
If you do write to us by post, please include an email address if you have one so we can email you back.
How long it takes
After you submit a request, we will:
- acknowledge your request within 3 working days
- respond within 20 working days
We may need to ask you for more information to clarify your request. If we do this then the time limit to respond only starts after we have received clarification from you.
If we ask you to clarify your request and you don’t, the request will lapse after 3 weeks.
Requests that may take longer
Sometimes we will need to extend the deadline to respond to your request. We will contact you to let you know if this is the case.
Costs
It is free to make a FOI request. If postage and photocopying cost over £10, we may charge you:
- postage costs
- 10p per printed page, black and white
- 50p per printed page, colour
If there is a charge, we will tell you what it is and you have the choice of paying it or withdrawing your request. If we do not hear from you after a month, we will treat the request as withdrawn.
If you want environmental information held by Land Charges, you will need to pay a fee. Find out about fees related to Local Land Charges.
Refusing a request
We may not be able to provide the information requested if:
- we do not hold the information
- it will take 18 working hours or more to provide the information
- an exemption or exception applies
If we refuse your request because of the time it would take, we will give you guidance on how you can reduce the request.
Exemptions and exceptions
Sometimes we cannot release information to the public because it may:
- significantly disrupt service delivery
- breach privacy
- cause risks to public safety
- encourage crime
If we decide that an exemption or exception applies, we will tell you why. Where relevant, we will explain the public interest reasons for withholding the information. You can appeal against this decision and we will include details of how to do this in our response.
The ICO website has more information about refusal of requests.
If you are not satisfied with our response
You can ask for an Internal Review if:
- you are not satisfied with our response to your request
- you don’t agree that the information should be exempt
- you don’t agree with suggested costs
- you think the response was late
To request an Internal Review email FOIReviews@camden.gov.uk within 2 months of our response. An Internal Review will be undertaken by the Borough Solicitor.
We aim to acknowledge Internal Review requests within 3 working days and complete them within 20 working days. This may be extended to 40 working days if a review is complex.
If you’re not satisfied with the outcome of our Internal Review, you can complain to the information commissioner.