How Long Will It Take for Me to Get the Information?

The Act states that, when a public authority receives a request for information, it must respond to it as quickly as possible and, in any case, not later than 20 'working' days after the request is received (or after the nature and extent of the request was clarified where such further clarification of the original request was needed). Obviously response times will vary with the extent of the information requested and also any specially requested format, but we will do our best to get the information to you as quickly as possible. If a fee is required to be paid (see above), we will send you the information when the fee has been paid in full. (Please allow time for cheques to clear). The reply will usually confirm or deny whether or not we actually hold the information you have requested, and, if we do, we will either provide the information or explain why it has not been provided (quoting any appropriate exemption(s) under the Act). It is important to note that the Act gives the right to 'information' rather than the documents themselves. In some cases, however, it might be reasonable, and more practicable, for us to provide copies of the actual documents themselves.