Freedom of Information

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Please note that while requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information Regulations will continue to be logged and managed and we will endeavour to meet the timescales for responding, there may be some delays due to the agile working of staff and the prioritisation of service provision. Thank you for your patience and understanding at this challenging time.

The Freedom of Information Act gives rights of access to information held by public authorities such as Sunderland City Council.

Anyone can ask for access to information the council holds, but there are rules under the Act that mean confidential or sensitive information may be exempt from being supplied.

If you would like to make a Freedom of Information request you will need to let us know;

Your name
Your address (or email address)
What information you are asking us to provide.

You can make a request in a number of ways.

Email us at freedom.information@sunderland.gov.uk
Fill in and submit an online form to request information from Sunderland City Council
Write to the Information Governance Officer, Civic Centre, PO Box 100 SR2 7DN

If you are unhappy with how the council has handled your request you can contact the Information Commissioner. You are entitled to approach the Commissioner at any time, however she will not generally consider a matter until the council's review procedure has been completed.

The Information Commissioner's website also gives more details about Freedom of Information.

The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:

Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF