Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) relates to recorded information held by local authorities and other public bodies.  It aims to provide a balance between greater openness and transparency on the one hand while at the same time recognising the need to restrict or prevent disclosure where to do so would cause harm or would otherwise not be in the public interest. 

The FOIA requires that public authorities make certain types of information routinely and publicly available, with an appropriate guide so that the information can be easily identified and accessed by the general public. 

The means by which  an authority makes information routinely  available is through what is known as the 'publication scheme'.  The Information Commissioner's Officer (ICO) has approved a Model Publication Scheme which the council has adopted. In addition the council are required to produce a guide to identify what information is published , the available format, how it maybe accessed and also any fees that may be chargeable for  information. This guide is contained within our pages called Guide to Information.  Before making a request for information you may want to see if the information you require is already published on our website.

Where information is not already available through the publication scheme the FOIA allows members of the public to request information in writing.    If we cannot disclose the information you have asked for we will tell you what exemption(s) apply and why we think they are applicable.