The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 gives you the right to request information we hold.
Before making your information request
Any information already published is exempt from formal release under the Act. Before sending your request, please check if the information you are looking for is already available.
Please first check the following sources:
Who can make a request under FOI?
Anyone can request information under the Act, regardless of age, nationality or location.
What information can I ask for?
Any information we hold is eligible for release. However, a number of exemptions may apply.
How do I make a request?
Your request must be made in writing. You can submit your request via email, fax or by mail. You must include:
- Your name
- Your address (email address is accepted)
- A description of the information you wish to obtain
- Any preferences for the format in which you would like to receive the information
You can send your request either by post, email or fax to:
Freedom of Information and Data Protection Team
Northamptonshire County Council
Ground Floor, John Dryden House
8-10 The Lakes, Northampton
NN4 7YD
FreedomofInformation@northamptonshire.gov.uk
fax - 01604 237004
Please be as specific as possible and ensure that the description of the information you require is clear and detailed enough to enable us to find it.
If we do not have enough details to find the information you want, we may come back to you and ask for clarification.
Advice and guidance
We have a duty to provide you with help and assistance with your information request. This may include providing advice on where to find information that is already published or how to prepare your request so that it falls within the time limit. Please direct any queries to the Council's FOI Officer.
How long does it take?
The Council has 20 working days to respond.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for researching the information as long as it costs us less than £450. This is calculated on the basis of 18 hours work at £25 per hour. We will reject requests that cost more than £450, but will help you to refine your request so that it is under this limit.
We reserve the right to charge for costs e.g. photocopying. If we intend to charge a fee, we will send you a fees notice and you then have three months in which to pay. Once we receive the fee we will then respond to your request. If you refuse to pay the fee, we can refuse to supply the information.
What happens if my request is refused?
A request for information may only be refused if:
- it is vexatious or repeated
- we have asked you for more details in order to meet your request, which you have then not provided
- you have not paid any legitimate fee requested
- it falls under one of the exemptions
If your request is refused, we will explain why and give you details of how to apply for an internal review of this decision.
If, after an internal review, we still refuse your request, you may ask the Information Commissioner to review our decision.
How many requests can I make?
There is no limit to the number of requests you can make. However, the Act states that we can refuse any vexatious or repeated requests.
How can I use the information I receive?
The Freedom of Information Act does not place restrictions on how any information supplied under it may be used. However, the Act does not transfer copyright in any information supplied under it. This means that if you wish to use the information for commercial purposes you must ask our permission.
Can I ask for the information in a different format?
You may request that the information is supplied in any form. We are required to meet your wishes as long as they are reasonable. We may also take into account the cost of supplying the information in this form before complying with your request.
In particular, you may ask for information in permanent form, in summary form, or for permission to inspect records containing the information.