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gb_get_govuk_content

Read-onlyIdempotent

Fetch a single GOV.UK document (tribunal decision, HMRC manual section, or CMA case) by its site path, retrieving content from the GOV.UK Content API.

Instructions

Fetch one GOV.UK document (tribunal decision, HMRC manual section, CMA case).

Maps to the GOV.UK Content API (www.gov.uk/api/content/{path} - confirmed live 2026-07-07). Tribunal decisions carry the judgment as a PDF in attachments with only a short HTML body; HMRC manual sections carry the full text in body_html.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pathYesthe document's site path - take it from a ``gb_search_govuk`` result's ``link`` field, e.g. ``"/employment-tribunal-decisions/mr-b-king-v-thales-dis-uk-ltd-1403603-slash-2020"`` or ``"/hmrc-internal-manuals/vat-government-and-public-bodies/vatgpb9700"``. A full ``www.gov.uk`` URL is also accepted.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
titleNo
base_pathNo
body_htmlNo
byte_sizeNo
source_urlYes
attachmentsNo
descriptionNo
dataset_noteNowww.gov.uk Search API + Content API (keyless, Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0) - one upstream aggregating many institutions' documents: employment tribunal decisions, employment appeal tribunal decisions, tax tribunal decisions, Upper Tribunal (AAC) decisions, residential property tribunal decisions, HMRC internal manuals, CMA competition cases and more (filter by document_type). GOV.UK documents have no neutral-citation or ELI scheme; human_readable_citation is '{Title} ({document type}, {date}, GOV.UK)'. Tribunal decisions carry the judgment as a PDF attachment with a short HTML body; HMRC manual sections carry the full text in body_html.
document_typeNo
public_updated_atNo
first_published_atNo
human_readable_citationYes
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false. The description adds valuable context beyond these by explaining the API mapping, the confirmed live status, and content-specific differences (PDF attachments vs. body_html). It does not cover error handling or rate limits, but the annotation coverage lowers the bar.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is compact and purpose-first, using three sentences to convey the function, API endpoint, and important content-type caveats. Every clause adds information; there is no filler or redundancy.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Despite having only one parameter, the description covers the key behavioral nuances (attachments vs. body_html) and references the output schema implicitly by noting where content appears. With a detailed schema, output schema, and strong annotations, this is a complete and self-sufficient tool description.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema description provides 100% coverage for the single 'path' parameter, including its source, format, and examples. The tool description itself adds no further parameter semantics, so with high schema coverage the baseline of 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description uses a specific verb ('Fetch') with a clear resource ('one GOV.UK document') and enumerates the covered content types (tribunal decision, HMRC manual section, CMA case). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like gb_get_act or gb_get_case by scope and source.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It provides clear context on when to use the tool (fetching a single GOV.UK document) and gives direction on obtaining the path from gb_search_govuk results. However, it does not explicitly name alternative tools or state when not to use it, so it falls short of full exclusion guidance.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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