Background
On 1 December 2025, The National Archives announced the introduction of a new service for access to historical Ministry of Defence Service Personnel records, which will be launched in February 2026. The new service will allow requests for access to these records to be processed in a timelier manner and provide requesters with a more intuitive and streamlined experience.
As the new service will coincide with an update to the fees order, it is anticipated that some requesters may wish to submit requests prior to February using the existing service. The National Archives aims to keep this service available to as many people as possible, and this policy on fair and reasonable use seeks to ensure equitable access to the service by limiting the number of requests an individual requester can make within a calendar month.
Vexatious Requests
Section 14(1) of the Freedom of Information Act allows for public authorities to close a request for information if this request is vexatious. A request can be considered vexatious based on the burden the request will make on a public authority and its staff, the motive of the requester, the value or serious purpose of the request, and any harassment of or distress to staff. A limit to the number of requests a single requester can make within a calendar month will prevent an excessive burden being placed on The National Archives and its staff and ensure that all requesters can have their request resolved within a reasonable timeframe.
Fair and Reasonable Use Limit
From 1 December 2025 a limit to the number of requests for access to Ministry of Defence Service Personnel records has been set at 50 requests per requester per calendar month. Any requests above this limit will be considered vexatious, given the burden this would place on The National Archives and its staff and will be closed.