Freedom of Information (FOI) requests are a powerful tool for uncovering hidden facts, holding institutions accountable, and shining light on issues the public has a right to know about.
Restore Britain's Investigations Unit regularly uses FOI law to obtain official documents, data, and records that can inform its work. You can suggest an FOI request for the team to submit — including requests aimed at councils, health boards, or public bodies here in Monmouthshire and Torfaen.
How It Works
- You submit your FOI suggestion through the submission form.
- The team reviews all suggestions for relevance, legal viability, and public interest value.
- Requests may be refined, combined, or redirected before filing.
- Not every request can be taken forward, but all submissions are logged and considered.
What Makes a Good FOI Request?
When submitting a suggestion, keep it:
- Focused — target a specific topic, time period, or public authority.
- Relevant — information that serves the wider public interest.
- Practical — precise and not overly broad, to avoid rejections under cost/time limits.
Examples include:
- Spending by a local council on a particular contract or campaign.
- Meeting records between local officials and developers or lobbyists.
- Data on public health, policing, immigration, or local infrastructure.
Your Rights and Our Approach
- FOI requests are filed under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (UK).
- Responses belong to the public — Restore Britain aims to publish the documents it receives.
- Personal data or information outside FOI's scope (e.g. classified security matters) cannot be obtained.
- Restore Britain ensures all requests are worded responsibly, fact-checked, and compliant with the law.
Important Notes
- Submitting an FOI suggestion does not guarantee it will be filed.
- The identity of individuals who submit suggestions is not shared.
- Restore Britain does not provide legal advice on FOI rights for individuals — if you want to file a personal FOI yourself, contact the public authority directly.
- All submissions are handled under Restore Britain's Whistleblower Privacy & Protection Policy / Data Policy, covering how personal data is processed under UK GDPR.
Want to File Your Own FOI Request?
You don't need us — anyone can submit an FOI request directly to a public authority. Here are the addresses for some of the bodies covering Monmouthshire and Torfaen:
