About the OFT
Requesting information under the FoIA
The Freedom of Information Act gives you the right to obtain information held by the OFT unless there are good reasons for why the information cannot be supplied.
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How do I make an information request?
Check to see if we already provide the information via our publication scheme. If it isn't in our publication scheme, you can search our website.
If the information is not available then please send an email request to informationaccessteam@oft.gsi.gov.uk, or write to:
Information Access Team
Office of Fair Trading
Room GS/19
2-6 Salisbury Square
London
EC4Y 8JX
Describe the information you require as clearly as possible - if your request is too broad or unclear we may ask you to be more specific and this will cause delay. See some previous requests and responses for further information.
You can express a reasonable preference for the format you wish the information to be supplied in, for example, by email or as a paper copy.
What happens next?
The OFT must respond to you within 20 working days. In cases where the public interest has to be considered, this time limit may be extended.
What type of information can't you share?
There are certain types of information we can't share. In general, we are unable to release information about:
- complaints received by the OFT about a business or trader
- whether the OFT has carried out, or is carrying out, an investigation into a business or trader
- whether a business or trader is legitimate or reputable
Please note you are still able to request the above but we might not be able to provide it.
Where we can share details of our work, they can be found in OFT's work.
If you have any concerns about a business or trader our Consumer Advice pages may be able to help.
More information on the exemptions that apply to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 can be found at legislation.gov.uk.
Will I be charged for the information?
No, the information will be provided free of charge.
What if the information is refused?
If the OFT decides not to disclose information, we will specify the reason, and, where relevant, explain our arguments.
Complaint procedures
If you are unhappy about the way your request has been dealt with see the complaint procedures area of this website.
Further information about the Freedom of Information Act can be found on the Information Commissioner's Office website.
Back to: Freedom of Information Act
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