If you would like to request information from us, this section covers the type of information that we hold, information that is already available and how to request further information from us. It also covers how to find out if we hold any personal information about you.
Information available
Before making your request
Making your request
Where to send your request
When we receive your request
Personal information about you
We hold information on our three main policy areas of justice, rights and democracy:
If the information that you want is not covered in these areas you might find it in the A to Z of of central government departments, executive agencies and NDPBs and what they do. You can also look at a list of organisations which are covered by Freedom of Information.
We already make a lot of information available to you. Before you request information from us, please try the three steps listed below. If you still can't find what you are looking for, then you can make a request under the Freedom of Information Act.
When you send us your request please do the following:
Be specific
You will get the information faster if you help us identify the exact information you require. It will also mean that your request is less likely to be turned down on cost grounds. Make sure that you:
- Are specific about exactly what information you want
- Provide us with a narrow, tightly focussed request
- Provide, where appropriate, a relevant time frame e.g. 1999 to 2000 or January to April 1985
Let us know how you want the information
How would you like the information sent to you e.g. by post, email or would you prefer to come in and inspect the information? Let us know when you make your request and we will meet your preference when we can.Provide your contact details
We may have to get in touch with you to discuss your request. It would be helpful if you could tell us in your request how you would prefer us to contact you should we need to offer you any advice or assistance.
You can either make a freedom of information request by email.
Or by writing to:
Department for Constitutional Affairs
Selborne House
54 Victoria Street
London
SW1E 6QW
We aim to reply promptly to your request, and are obliged by statute to provide a response within 20 working days. Some information may not be available because it falls within one of the exemptions of the Act. When that happens, we will tell you which exemption applies and, in most cases, why the information cannot be released.
There may be a cost involved in dealing with your request which you may have to pay. If so, we will send you a notice stating the amount you have to pay, and how we calculated that amount. You will then have 3 months to pay the fee before we will continue to process your request.
Requests for personal information, that is information about a living individual, are dealt with under the Data Protection Act 1998. If you want to ask whether we hold any personal information about you, please note the following:
You can make your request in writing to:
Access Rights Unit
Department for Constitutional Affairs
6th Floor
Selborne House
54-60 Victoria Street
London
SW1E 6QW