Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 came into force in January 2005. This gives everyone the right to request information held by public sector organisations.
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act gives the public the right to ask any public body for all the information they have on any subject. The company must provide this information within a month, unless they have a valid reason not to.
Any person can make a request under the Act, regardless of age, gender, nationality or where they live. It is possible to ask for any information, but some may be withheld to protect interests, which is allowed under the Act, but the public body must explain why the information has been held.
Information released by the Wales Office in response to an FOI will be published on this website.
How to make a Freedom of Information request
To apply for information from the Wales Office please email walesofficefoi@walesoffice.gsi.gov.uk or write to us at:
The Wales Office
Gwydyr House,
Whitehall,
London SW1A 2ER
Make sure you include your name, address and the information that you wish to receive from us. Please try to explain the information you require in as much detail as possible, which will help us to find the exact information that you need.
We will endeavour to respond to your request within 20 days and if this is not possible we will write to you and tell you why we need more time, and when you will receive the information.
This information is free, but we may turn down the request if it is likely to cost us over £600 or ask you to be more specific in the information you are looking for.
You may ask for the information to be given to you in any particular form depending on cost.
Your right to appeal
The FOI Act does allow members of the public to appeal if they are refused information or are dissatisfied with the information they have received.
In the first instance you should contact the Wales Office with your complaint at:
The Wales Office
Gwydyr House,
Whitehall,
London SW1A 2ER
A team of officials unconnected with the original request will handle the complaint. We aim to respond to the complaint within 20 days, and will inform you if this is not possible.
If the original decision is overturned the request will be processed and the information released to you. If the decision is upheld you will receive a letter detailing the reasons why we are unable to provide the information requested.
If you are still not satisfied with the response to your complaint you may contact the independent Information Commissioner. For details on how to do this click here.