📄international

FOI Follow‑Up or Appeal After No Response or Refusal

When a public authority delays, ignores, or refuses a freedom of information request, a structured follow‑up or appeal can help unlock a response.

Understanding your situation

You submitted a freedom of information (public records) request to a public authority and received no response within the usual time, or you received a refusal/partial disclosure. You want to (1) request immediate action, (2) challenge the refusal, or (3) complain about administrative inaction or unreasonable delay.

What you need to prepare

  • Copy of your original FOI request (email/letter and date submitted)
  • Any reply from the authority (including refusal reasons, if provided)
  • Reference number (if any)
  • A short description of what information you requested
  • Proof of delivery (optional but helpful)
🏛️ Authority
Public authority / FOI office / oversight body (varies by country)

Expert tips

  • 1.Stay factual and reference dates, deadlines, and any case number
  • 2.Ask for a clear decision and a specific delivery format
  • 3.If refused, request the legal basis and explain why disclosure should be granted
  • 4.If delayed, complain about inaction and request immediate processing

Document you need

📄
Formal complaint
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