Complaints about the outcome of requests for information

If you are unhappy with the outcome of your request for information, or the way we handled your request, then you have the right to ask for an internal review.

Requests made under the FOIA or EIRs

For complaints about requests made under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or the Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs), write to us clearly stating the reasons for your dissatisfaction. Address your letter to:

Department for Communities and Local Government
Information Rights Branch
Zone 2/A3
Eland House
Bressenden Place
London
SW1E 5DU

Or you can email us at foirequests@communities.gsi.gov.uk.

We will then review your case and let you know the outcome. If you are still dissatisfied after the review, apply directly to the Information Commissioner at:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF

Or send an email to mail@ico.gsi.gov.uk

Our procedure for considering appeals under the FOIA and EIRs is contained in more detail in the internal review procedures leaflet (below). Every response we send to a request for information will include a link to or a copy of this leaflet.

Requests made under the Data Protection Act

If you have a complaint about a request for personal data, you should appeal directly to the Information Commissioner, as above.

General complaints

Complaints which are not about requests for information can also be sent to Information Rights Branch or by email to Contactus@communities.gsi.gov.uk. General complaints can also be sent to the relevant policy division (see the contact us link at the top of the page).