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What is the Freedom of Information Act?
It is a new law that affects all public sector organisations and came into force on the 1st January 2005. It gives you greater access to information held by public organisations like councils. The Act lets you find out more about what we do and how we arrive at decisions.

Can I use the Freedom of Information Act to see information about me?
No, it is the Data Protection Act that gives you the right to see information we hold about you. Click on the following Data Protection link for more details and how to make a Subject Access Request.

Can I see all the information the Council holds?
You may ask to see any information that a Council holds, but some information may be subject to exemptions that are written into the Act.
There are a number of exemptions in the Act which cover a range of areas such as information that is 'reasonably accessible' elsewhere (e.g. within the Publication Scheme). Some other examples are information that is commercially sensitive, connected with crime prevention and law enforcement, or certain types of investigations conducted by the Council.Click on the following link for more information about exemptions. For additional information about exemptions please go to the DCA Website Guidance.

What if I can't find what I'm looking for?
You can make a request in writing, by email, by using our application form (which can be found on the website or at our offices). A request must contain your name and address and it will help in dealing with your application if you could refer to the Freedom of Information Act. For more information about how to request information please select the following link: Request for information. The Information Commissioners Office has produced 'The ICO Charter for responsible Freedom of Information Requests' to help you further.

What is the Publication Scheme?
To make it easier for you to access information, we are publishing more and more information in accordance with our Publication Scheme. The Scheme is a simple way of categorising information that is available to you. You can find the Scheme on our website or it can be viewed at our offices and local libraries. It tells you about what information is generally made available, where you might find it and whether charges apply. The best place to start looking for information is on our website.

A Catalogue of information is now available online giving details of publications, guidance, minutes of meetings etc which are in the public domain. The Catalogue is being added to on a weekly basis. Simply click on the Publication Scheme page link and go into one of the Publication Scheme Classes to find all the publications.

Will it cost me anything?
It might do, depending on the nature of the request and how much work is involved in finding, preparing and making the information available to you. There may be a difference in the scale of fees and charges for each council, please see our Fees Policy for more information. In all cases, we will let you know if there is a cost before we start work and you can choose if you wish to pay it, or if you would prefer to modify the request.

How long will I have to wait for the information?
Usually the information will be sent to you within 20 working days of your request. It may take longer if we need to clarify your request, or if we have asked for a fee and are waiting to receive it, or if we need to consider whether any exemptions apply to the information you have asked for. If your request is put on hold for any reason, we will always keep you informed of how we are progressing, and as far as possible give you an expected date for your response.

How many requests can I make?
The Freedom of Information Act does not place a limit on the amount of requests you can make. But under Section 14 of the Act, we can reserve the right to refuse a request. If we receive several requests from the same person for example, or a series of requests that we think are intended to disrupt our work; these may be treated as repeated or vexatious. We would write to you and explain how we reached this decision.

How many requests is Bournemouth Council receiving and what information is being asked for?
The Information Compliance Team hold detailed statistics about how many requests are being submitted and which areas of the Council are receiving the most. These statistics are now being published on the website at the following link: FOI Statistics. You can also view our Request Logs online which give an outline of what information is being requested.

If I give the Council information about my company's products and services, will this be subject to the Freedom of Information Act?
A guidance note has been produced entitled 'Advice for Providers/Suppliers with whom the Council conducts business' which aims to answer questions about information being released if it gets asked for under the Act.

How will the information be provided to me?
You can tell us how you would like to receive the information and we will try to comply with your wishes. If it is not possible we will notify you and offer an alternative.

How can I use the information I receive?
The Freedom of Information Act allows access to information, but it does not give the requestor permission to re-use that information for commercial gain. Therefore, you may reproduce our copyright protected content, free of charge, without specific permission, provided you are not reproducing it for profit, material or financial gain. You must reproduce the material accurately and not use it in a misleading context. If you are publisihing the material or issuing it to others, you must acknowledge its source, copyright status and date of publication if known. This permission to reproduce our copyirght protected material does not extend to any material that is identified as being the copyright of a third party. You must seek authorisation to reproduce such material from the copyright holder concerned.

Click on the following link for more information on the re-use of public sector information.

How do I appeal or make a complaint?
We hope we can resolve most issues with you, but if you wish to make a formal complaint about the way we have dealt with your request you should do this in writing. Your complaint will be dealt with under our 'Complaints Procedure'. If you are unhappy with the outcome of your complaint you can appeal to the Information Commissioner at the address below.

How can I find out more?
You can contact the Council at the following address:

Bournemouth Borough Council,
Legal Services,
Town Hall,
Bourne Avenue,
Bournemouth,
Dorset,
BH2 6DY

Email the Information Compliance Team

or you can write to:

The Information Commissioner,
Wycliffe House,
Water Lane,
Wilmslow,
Cheshire,
SK9 5AF

For a pdf version of this leaflet please click on the following link: Your Rights Leaflet

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