General requests for information
The Freedom of Information Act (FOI) gives you the right to ask Plymouth City Council for any information it holds. If you ask for information about yourself this will be handled under the Data Protection Act, environmental requests are dealt with under the Environmental Information Regulations.
- How do I make a request?
- Could my request be refused?
- What should I do if I am interested in historical records about the Plymouth area?
- How long will it take?
- How much will it cost?
- What can I use the information for?
- What do I do if I am not satisfied with the response?
How do I make a request?
If you cannot find the information you are looking for on this website you can request it under the Freedom of Information Act.
When making a request:
- Clearly describe the information you are requesting, be as specific as possible
- Include your name, address and other contact details, this will allow us to respond to your request, or ask for clarification, more quickly
- State how you would prefer to receive the information ie paper or email
A request can be made:
- By email to info@plymouth.gov.uk
- Face to face by visiting our Customer Service Team in the Civic Centre if you need help completing the form
- By letter or fax or using the form below:
General information request form [Word, 130KB]
General information request form [PDF, 76KB]Could my request be refused?
A request for information may be refused:
- If an exemption applies under legislation that prevents us from providing the information. A list of exemptions is available in the Freedom of Information Act, the exemptions can be found from sections 21 to 44
- If the cost of staff time and providing the information would exceed £450. The maximum staff time for answering requests is therefore 18 hours.
If we have to refuse your request we will tell you the reason for the refusal, including any exemptions that apply.
What should I do if I am interested in historical records about the Plymouth area?
If you are interested in historical or archive information then please look at the Plymouth and West Devon Records Office pages before making a request for information. [Back to top]
How long will it take?
Information that is readily available will be provided to you as quickly as possible.
A response will be sent to every request within 20 working days. This timescale may be extended under certain circumstances. If this happens you will however be notified of this and the estimated date of response.
If we are unsure what information you are requesting we will contact you to clarify your request. The 20 working days will then start from the date when the request is clarified.
How much will it cost?
We provide most documents free of charge. If a charge will be applied for the information you have requested you will be notified.
What can I use the information for?
The information supplied to you continues to be protected by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. You are free to use it for your own purposes, non-commercial research or news reporting. Any other reuse, for example commercial publication, would require the permission of the Council. Please see our re-use of Council information page for further details.
What do I do if I am not satisfied with the response?
If you are not satisfied with the way your request has been handled you may ask for an Internal Review to take place.