You need to be clear about what information you want. Check the 79 purposes outlined by the council (see the Application form for a list). If you need more detailed information, check the Council's entry on the Data Protection Registrar.
You also need to identify yourself clearly (including, for instance, a Council Tax Reference number). Give as much information about yourself as you can, including any alternative spellings or abbreviations of names, previous addresses etc.
If you are applying for CCTV footage, state as far as you can at what time and where you believe you were filmed. Include a photograph of yourself and a description (e.g. "I was dressed as a Morris Dancer"). CCTV footage is kept for at least a month, after which it may be erased.
Further details, including help with wording an application can be found on the Mark Thomas CCTV site.
The councils standard Application form is attached. If you have any queries contact the Council's Data Protection Compliance Officer, Paul Simpkins, on 01274 753500 (email: paul.simpkins@bradford.gov.uk)
Application Form for Subject Access to Bradford Council
Bradford Council's full entry on the Data Protection Registrar
Mark Thomas Comedy Product - Series 5
Information Commission (formerly Data Protection Commission)