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What is the Freedom of Information Act? The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) entitles anybody to ask a public authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for any recorded information that they keep. The Act gives us all greater access to information about how decisions are taken in government and how public services are developed and delivered.
The FOI Act operates alongside the Data Protection Act 1998, which allows people to access information about themselves.
How do I ask for information? All requests for information must be made in writing (e.g. letter, fax, e-mail). You must clearly state what information you are requesting and supply your name and address. You do not need to say why you want the information.
All public authorities covered by the FOI Act must have a Publication Scheme. The Scheme lists the information which the public authority routinely makes available, and states whether you will have to pay for that information. Check the Council’s Publication Scheme to see if the information you want has already been published. This could save you time and money.
The Model Publication Scheme and the Guide to Information
What type of information can I ask to have? You can ask to have any recorded information.
When will I receive my information? In most cases, a public authority must respond to your request within 20 working days of receiving it and, if it cannot, it will explain why and let you know when you will receive a reply.
Can my request be declined? Public authorities will provide you with the information unless there is a good reason for not doing so (e.g. your request relates to someone else's personal details). They must provide you with a reason for declining your request. If you do not find the reason persuasive, you can ask the public authority to reconsider its decision, and if the request is still declined you can ask the Information Commissioner's Office to review that decision.
The Information Commissioner's Office is an independent body that enforces both the Freedom of Information and the Data Protection Acts. For more information, visit www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
What format can I request information to be in? The Parish Council normally provides the information electronically. You can say in what format you would prefer to receive the information (e.g. on paper or electronically).
How much will it cost to make a request? The Guide to information shows the admin fees, to pay photocopying and postage costs. You will be told in advance if any other fee will apply.
Update: The Guide to Information was updated on 20th June 2011.
Updated 20/06/11 |
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Freedom of Information Act guidelines |
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Archive information links |
