FOI in Action
Freedom of Information requests empower individuals, journalists, researchers, and campaigners to hold organisations accountable and shed light on matters of public interest. Below are real-world examples where FOI responses have made a significant impact.
Journalism
Journalists often use FOI data to uncover stories that inform the public, reveal injustices, or investigate policy failures
Research
FOI requests are a valuable tool for researchers seeking data that might otherwise remain behind closed doors
Campaigning and Advocacy
FOI requests help campaigners bring critical information to light, often influencing public discourse and policy decisions
Other
FOI requests serve as a cornerstone of democracy by providing transparency in government and public institutions
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https://www.mertonlibdems.org.uk/our-campaigns/south-wimbledon-step-free-access
Step free access South Wimbledon requested from Transport for London on -
https://wrexham.com/news/mayoral-car-set-for-top-of-the-range-electric-replacement-271459.html
Civic vehicles part of a batch sent to 22 authorities on -
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/disaster-medicine-and-public-health-preparedness/article/review-of-the-nhs-in-englands-records-of-incident-response-levels/CAA6BA432701398C677C5716879045AD
NHS Trust Incident Response Levels part of a batch sent to 121 authorities on -
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/gmp-accused-fuelling-harmful-racist-30892427
Freedom of Information Request: Dispersal Order Issued in Manchester City Centre on 23.11.2024 requested from Greater Manchester Police on -
https://meassociation.org.uk/2025/05/pip-assessments-for-people-with-me-cfs-dwp-training-and-guidance-for-pip-assessors/
Training Provided to HAAS Assessors and DWP Decision Makers on Long Covid, ME/CFS, and Fibromyalgia requested from Department for Work and Pensions on -
https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/now/post/63023
PIP appeals, 2023-2024 - overturned and lapsed decision requested from Department for Work and Pensions on -
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/20/trans-nhs-patients-access-women-only-space-in-london/
Gender reassignment and/or transgender guidance and policies requested from University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on -
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/20/trans-nhs-patients-access-women-only-space-in-london/
Gender reassignment and/or transgender guidance and policies requested from Whittington Health NHS Trust on -
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/20/trans-nhs-patients-access-women-only-space-in-london/
Gender reassignment and/or transgender guidance and policies requested from Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust on -
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/04/20/trans-nhs-patients-access-women-only-space-in-london/
Gender reassignment and/or transgender guidance and policies requested from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust on