Freedom of Information
Guidance stages explained
Drafting – During this stage we pull together all relevant information and create a structured draft.
Public consultation/call for views (optional) – Usually we carry out a public consultation or call for views before we complete the guidance. To understand more about how and when we do this, you can read our consultation policy.
Redrafting (following consultation) – We make changes to the draft guidance to clarify issues and meet the needs of our audience.
Withdrawn – Occasionally we decide to not proceed with a guidance project. If so, we’ll mark it as withdrawn and remove it when we next update this page. If we decide to revisit an issue, we add a new entry to this page.
Published – Guidance is final and available on the website
List of guidance in development
Guidance for new and merged public authorities
Stage: Drafting
Public consultation: No
Final version of guidance due for publication: Autumn 2025
Update to reflect a recent Supreme Court judgement on the public interest test
Stage: Drafting
Public consultation: No
Final version of guidance due for publication: Autumn 2025
Bitesize guidance on the key considerations that are relevant when applying the public interest test under FOIA.
Stage: Drafting
Public consultation: No
Final version of guidance due for publication: Winter 2025/2026