Freedom of Information Act

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

An Act which gives you access to business information held by the Council and to find out more about what the Council does and how it makes decisions. 

This Act cannot be used to access personal information that we hold about you. You can find out more about personal information from our Data Protection| pages.

How do I access business information using the Act?

Some of the information you want to access may be available on the Council’s website. To assist you in identifying information you are looking for, please access the Publication Scheme and Guide|.

What is the Publication Scheme and Guide?

The Council is required to proactively publish and make available business information to you. The Information Commissioner defined the categories and level of information that should be made available to you as part of a Publication Scheme. The Council has adopted this scheme. 

What do I do if I cannot find the information in the Publication Guide or on the Council’s website?

Sometimes information you are looking for may not be available on our website. If you cannot find what you are looking for, you can make a formal request for information| under the Act. 

Will I be able to see all the information I have requested?

The Act permits access to business information. Sometimes information you request may be withheld under exemptions| set out in the Act. 

Is there a charge for making a request and for information being provided?

There is no charge for submitting a request and it is unlikely that you will be charged for information we provide to you. However, if a charge is identified, we will notify you before we proceed. Further information is available on our Council's Fees and Charges| pages.

How will the information be provided to me?

You can tell us how you would like to receive the information and in what format in your request. If we are unable to provide it in the format you have asked for, we will let you know and offer an alternative.

How long do I have to wait for information to be provided to me?

We will usually provide information to you within 20 working days of your request being received. If this is not possible, we will let you know. Sometimes it may take longer if:

• We need to clarify your request with you
• If the information you have asked for may be subject to exemption
• If there is a charge and we are awaiting payment 

How can I use information the Council has provided to me?

For more detailed information on how you can re-use information we provide to you, please see our re-use of public sector information| pages.

If I am not happy with the way in which my request was handled or the information I have been provided with, can I appeal or make a complaint?

We do our best to resolve any issues that may arise in connection with your request. However, if you do not feel that we have resolved this satisfactorily, you can request an Internal Review which will be undertaken in accordance with the Council’s complaints procedure|. 
 

If you are not happy with the outcome of the Internal Review, you can appeal to the Information Commissioner|.