Access to Information

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

The Greater London Authority (GLA) is committed to its aim of fostering a culture of openness, transparency and accountability in Government.

In addition to the duty to reply to requests for information, the GLA is required by the Act to facilitate access to information by producing a publication scheme.  Information on the GLA’s publication scheme can be found on their website.

Other requests under Freedom of Information

Information not available through our Publication Scheme categories or on the GLA or Design for London websites can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act by submitting a written request to the GLA’s Public Liaison Unit either by:
Email at: mayor@london.gov.uk
Post to: The Public Liaison Unit, Greater London Authority, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA

Your request must state:

•    Your preferred correspondence details, e.g. email or postal address
•    Describe the information you need in as much detail as possible. If we need to clarify your request it may take longer to provide the information.

The Act allows a period of 20 work days for a response to be given to a request for information; we will attempt to answer your request as soon as possible.

Please note that this right of access to information is subject to certain exemptions, for example the protection of third party interests but we will explain these if they apply.

In some cases a fee may be charged for providing information and you will be informed before any costs are incurred.

If you are dissatisfied with our response to your request, you may request that the matter be reviewed internally by the GLA. A request for a review may be sent to the GLA’s Public Liaison Unit. A member of senior management will conduct the review and you will be notified of the outcome within 20 work days.

If you remain dissatisfied, you may appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on the handling of your request. The Information Commissioner is an independent statutory body which polices the operation of the Freedom of Information Act and can be contacted at the following address:

FOI Compliance Team (Complaints)
The Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF
Tel: 01625 545700
Fax: 01625 524510