Know the process - Freedom of Information requests

How to identify an FOI/EIR request

When an individual is asking for recorded information held by North Ayrshire Council, it is treated as a Freedom of Information request. The request does not need to state that they are looking for an ‘FOI request’ or quote any legislation at all. Requests can be made via email, letter and social media channels. Environmental Information Requests (EIR) can also be made over the phone.

Please note: Requests can be made by anyone.

What to do when you receive an FOI/EIR request

If an FOI/EIR request is received directly to your service please forward this email over to the FOI team: freedomofinformation@north-ayrshire.gov.uk who will coordinate the request, ensuring it is logged on the system and the relevant services identified.

Do not direct requestors to the NAC website to make the request online. This ensures that the request is logged correctly and processed under the correct legislation.

Your service responsibilities when handling an FOI

Once our team have emailed you requesting the information, services are required to:

• locate and provide all relevant information held and apply any redaction if required
• ensure that the information provided is accurate, complete and up to date
• if a requester is looking for a specific timeframe, ensure searches are limited to these dates
• respond promptly to requests from the FOI Team
• if clarification on the request is required or if another service needs to be involved, please contact the FOI team as soon as possible
• if you are responding with a nil return, please provide a response as to why.

If you are ever unsure whether a request would be treated as an FOI, please forward it to the FOI team and they can advise accordingly.

Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring we continue to meet our statutory obligations under access to information legislation.

Published January 26, 2026