We can provide commercial, no-frills advice on:

• Making freedom of information requests
• Ascertaining whether information is exempt from being disclosed
• Advising on a public authority’s obligations under the FOIA
• Defending a public authority’s refusal to provide information it feels is exempt under the FOIA
• The various stages of and preparation for the litigation process if necessary.

We have significant experience of handling appeals involving freedom of information requests and have acted for clients on both sides of freedom of information requests: for members of the public requesting information, and for public authorities seeking to determine whether they are required to publish this information.

Our team can provide specialist advice on FOIA appeals, and we’re well suited to assist with either challenging or making a request.

Our clients range from large corporate clients and government organisations to individuals seeking the publication of specific information it considers to be in the public interest.

Clients include the University of Cambridge in responding to a number of First Tier Tribunal appeals concerning information that was withheld under the commercial interests exemption of the FOIA.  We have also advised on vexatious freedom of information requests when acting for various charities and parish councils to protect them from undue disruption.