Make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request

Under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004 we are obliged to respond to requests for recorded information.

1 Overview

Public authorities have a legal obligation to provide information through an approved publication scheme and in response to requests.

A guide to freedom of information requests is available on GOV.UK

2 View archived FOI/EIR requests

We recommend that before you make a new request, you access previous Freedom of Information (FOI) or Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests and responses through our:

Our data store is where data owners from within the County Council release their data and make it available for anyone to use. It includes data about West Sussex, the County Council and its services. 

If you need to make a request please use our online system. By using the system you help us manage our customer enquiries in a more efficient way.

3 Submit an FOI/EIR request

If you cannot find the information you require in our disclosure log or our data store you can submit an online Freedom of Information (FOI) request or Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) request using the link below.

Alternatively, post your request to us - the FOI Act states that requests must be made in writing.

4 Fees and charges

In some cases there will be a cost involved for providing information for a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. For example, we may charge for things like photocopying, translation services or postage. Costs are outlined below.

Fees and charges: Read left to right for the service offered and the associated price.
Service Price
­A4 or A5 size, black and white £0.10 per sheet
Larger sizes, colour prints, maps and acetates £1.00 per sheet
Transcription services £1.50 per minute
Translating information into other languages Price on application
Converting to other formats Price on application
Special delivery/courier Price on application

We will advise you of any charges and ask that they are paid before we proceed with your request.

5 Time to respond to FOI requests

We will respond to your request as soon as possible, and within 20 working days.

We may need to ask you for more details before progressing your enquiry. This will ensure that we supply the correct information to you.

Last updated:
29 September 2023
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  • West Sussex County Council will only use this email address to respond to any issues raised.