Freedom of Information
Anyone can request to see recorded information held by the Council. You do not have to state why you want the information, although you will need to describe the information you require in enough detail to enable us to determine whether the information you have requested is held.
To ask for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 you need to:
- ask us in writing
- tell us your name
- tell us your address so we can write to you
- describe the information you want (giving as much detail as possible)
If you can't find the information you are looking for you can ask for it under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. (FOIA).
Before you make a Freedom of information (FOI) request check the information you want is not already available in our publication scheme.
How we deal with your request
We'll usually respond to your request within 20 working days. We'll either provide the information you've asked for or let you know if we:
- don't hold the information you want
- if it's already publicly available
- the cost of providing the information exceeds £450
- if any of the information is exempt from disclosure
There are 23 exemptions under the Act. The ICO provide more information on when can we refuse a request for information.
Where an exemption applies, we will tell you which one we have used, unless this would reveal the content of the information.
Environmental Information Requests (EiR)
Everyone has a right to see the environmental information that we collect and hold. If the information you want relates to environmental issues then your request will be handled under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).
Environmental information is any information on:
- the state of the elements of the environment and the interaction among these elements;
- factors affecting or likely to affect those elements;
- measures or activities affecting or likely to affect those factors or elements, or designed to protect those elements;
- reports on the implementation of environmental legislation;
- cost–benefit and other economic analyses and assumptions used within the framework of those measures and activities; and
- the state of human health and safety, conditions of human life, cultural sites and built structures in as much as they are or may be affected by those elements.
To check to see if we have already published what you want, see our Publication Scheme.
Requests can be made verbally or in writing to the Council. A written request will make it easier for us to ensure that the correct information is supplied.
When you make your request you need to:
- tell us your name and address - so that we can send you the information
- give us a contact telephone number - in case we have to ask you for more details to help us to find the information more quickly
- give us as much detail as possible to help us to find the information you have asked for
Public authorities that are subject to the EIR must consider disclosure of environmental information under the EIR, rather than under FOIA. We will inform you if the request is being processed under EiR.
A response will be compiled and usually sent by email to you within a maximum of 20 working days.
Environmental Information Requests may be subject to a charge under the legislation. For information on fees read our Information Access Fees Policy.
Make a Freedom of Information or EiR request
If you're not happy with how we have dealt with your request, you can request an internal review in accordance with the FOIA / EiR. We will tell you how to do this when we reply to your request.
Alternatively, you can email [email protected] to submit a FoI or Eir request. You can also contact the Information Commissioner's Office for advice. You can call them on 0303 123 1113, write to them:
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane, Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
or visit the Information Commissioner website.