Freedom of Information

Published 26/11/2020   |   Last Updated 04/02/2022   |   Reading Time minutes

The Freedom of Information Act gives members of the public a general right of access to information held by public authorities.

The Welsh Parliament ("the Senedd") is not covered by the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. However, if a request is made for such information via Information-request@senedd.wales we may consider making a disclosure.

Before making an information request please remember that we may already have published what you are looking for. You can use our Publication Scheme to see if the information is already available. This commits the Senedd to make information available to the public as part of its normal business activities. Our Information Guide (PDF 197KB) provides further information on the type of information we publish.

Our Code of Practice on Public Access to Information sets out how the Senedd will meet its commitment to provide access to information under the Act. The Code can be accessed from the link provided. Alternatively a hard copy can be obtained by writing to:

The Welsh Parliament
Governance and Assurance
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1SN

Our website will list significant disclosures of information made in response to requests for information via our Disclosure Log. Disclosures made under the Data Protection Act, 2018, are not published.

How to ask for information

You can ask the Senedd for any information it holds and we will tell you whether we have it and send it to you unless we can justify applying an exemption, in which case we will explain why we're using exemptions.

When making a request remember to include contact details so we can send the information to you. Please add as much detail to the request as possible so we can see exactly what information you need. If we need further details we will contact you. Please be aware of our Access to Information privacy policy.

To request information, you should contact Information-request@senedd.wales or 0300 200 6565. If you are sending a request by post, please use the address listed above.
Please also be aware of our website privacy policy.

Complaints

If you think that we have misunderstood what you want or have missed something out, please contact the official who dealt with your request and discuss it with them. Most mistakes and misunderstandings are easily cleared up.

If you are dissatisfied with the Senedd's handling of your request, you can ask for an internal review within 40 working days of the date of the response. If, after that, you remain unsatisfied you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner. Normally, however, you should pursue the matter through our internal procedure before you complain to the Information Commissioner.

The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:

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

Tel: 0303 123 1113 (local rate) or 01625 545 745
Fax: (01625) 524 510