Freedom of information

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 gives members of the public the right to access information held by public bodies.

Likewise, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 – which ensure that environmental information is accessible to the public – also apply to us.

That means members of the public can submit requests for information to us.

Making a request

Providing you've checked to see the information you require is not available via our publication scheme – which sets out the information we routinely make available and explains how to obtain it – you can submit a request via email to our information governance and FOI manager via the details below:

Email: [email protected]

By setting out your request as clearly as possible, you help us identify the information you’d like to access and our information governance and FOI manager can assist with making your request.

Our offices are currently closed in response to government advice about coronavirus and we therefore can't accept requests via post. We'll advise when they reopen and are available to receive post.

Disclosure log

Our disclosure log has a list of the requests we’ve received and a summary of the outcome, and is updated on a quarterly basis.

It was introduced during 2017, so information about requests before this can be obtained from our information governance manager at the above address.

FOI Disclosure log 2017-19 Download the file - 89.83 KB

How we handle your request

We’ll acknowledge your request within three working days and provide you with the date by which we expect to respond in full – in most cases we’ll provide our full response to you within 20 working days of receiving your request.

We try to be as open as possible and provide you with the information you’ve requested, but there may be occasions where we decide to withhold information because it’s exempt from disclosure under the FOI Act. If this is the case, we’ll explain the reasons for our decision.

Charges

If the total number of pages requested exceeds 50, then there’s a charge of 5p per A4 sheet for the supply of hard copies. In addition, we make a fixed charge of £5 for copies of our Asset Register and Gifts and Hospitality Register.

There’s no charge for the supply of electronic copies.

Complaints and feedback

If you’re unhappy with the service you receive in relation to an information request, or would like to request a review of a decision to withhold information under an exemption in the FOI Act, you can ask us to carry out an internal review.

A member of staff who was not involved in considering the original request will undertake the review and inform you of the outcome, usually within 20 working days.

If you’re unhappy with the outcome of the internal review and feel that we’ve not complied with our obligations under the FOI Act, you can complain to the Information Commissioner, who can be contacted at the address below:

The Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 01625 545 700

Alternative formats

All our publications can be made available in an alternative language, in Braille or large print format or on tape if requested. To request this service, please call 03458 508 508.