The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities.
The Act came into force in two stages:
First, from February 2003 the County Council was required to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme setting out the 'classes of information' that it publishes or intends to publish; the manner in which information in each class is, or is intended to be, published; and whether the material is, or is intended to be, available to the public free of charge or on payment. This Scheme was approved by the Information Commissioner.
Second, from January 2005 any person who makes a written request to a public authority for information must be informed whether the authority holds that information and, unless the information is covered by an exemption, must be supplied with it.
Individuals wishing to obtain information described within the Scheme may contact the Council in a way convenient to them and expect the information to be readily available. Much information is accessible on the Council's web site. Some is only available via individual services and may be in electronic or hard copy format.
If you want to request information, please use the online form by clicking on "contact us" on the right, or, if you have any queries or complaints about Freedom of Information, the Publication Scheme, Environmental Information Regulations, or Data Protection please direct them to the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Team using the details on the right.
For further detailed information on making a request or complaint under the Freedom of Information Act, Data Protection Act or Environmental Information Regulations please follow the link below by clicking on Information Commissioner's Office:
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