Information Rights Unit
S1727
8 Floor
David
Central Mail Unit
Newcastle Upon Tyne
By email
: request-1142450-
NE98 1ZZ
xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
Email xxx.xxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx
Web
www.gov.uk
Date: 3 July 2024
Our ref:
FOI2024/84572
Dear David
Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA)
Thank you for your request, which was received on 27 June, for the following information:
“[You don't often get email from xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx. Learn
why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
Dear HM Revenue and Customs,
Please let me know if you administer Trusts from a birth certificate.
How / why do you use the National Insurance Number.”
Our response
To qualify as a valid submission under the FOIA, a request must fulfil the criteria set out in
Section 8 of the Act, which states the following:
“Request for information
(1) In this Act any reference to a ‘request for information’ is a reference to such a
request which—
(a) is in writing,
(b) states the name of the applicant and an address for correspondence, and
(c) describes the information requested.”
Guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) explains that requesters must
provide a ‘real name’ that allows them to be identified:
“A requester whose name is Joseph Bloggs could call themselves ‘Joe Bloggs’, ‘Joey
Bloggs’, ‘J Bloggs’ or ‘Mr Bloggs’.
However, they could not just use ‘Joseph’, ‘Joe’, ‘Joey’ or ‘J.B.’ as this may not be
sufficient to identify the requester.”
If you need extra support, for example if you have a disability, a mental health condition, or
do not speak English/Wels
h, go to www.gov.uk and search for ‘get help from HMRC’.
Text Relay service prefix number – 18001
OFFICIAL
Your request is not valid under the Act as it does not include a ‘real name’ as required by
section 8(1)(b).
If you stil need the information you’ve asked for, please resubmit your request providing a
valid name.
Yours sincerely,
HM Revenue and Customs
2 OFFICIAL
