The Freedom of Information Act 2000
Freedom of Information Act 2000 - what is it?
The Freedom of Information Act gives any member of the public access to information held by us. Instead of only releasing information on a 'need to know' basis, public authorities are required to provide any information requested, unless there is a very good reason not to.
Public authorities include Local Authorities, Schools, the National Health Service, and Central Governement Departments.
What information can I have access to?
Freedom of Information covers all information held by us, and so allows access to types of information as varied as the services we provide. Examples of previous requests include:
- Numbers of parking tickets issued in specific areas
- Maintenance of Council owned buildings
- Decisions about street markings or traffic light settings
- Details of suppliers of school dinners
- Incident logs from the libraries
- Details of overseas visits by Council officials
Information routinely made available - Publication Scheme
Deatails of the types of information we make available without an individual request being made is contained in the Publication Scheme. It tells you where you can get hold of it and if there will be a charge. This includes information such as:
- Council meeting minutes
- Planning applications
- Food safety reports
- Annual financial reports
More information
You can find further information about the FOIA from the following government websites:
- www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
Website of the Office of the Information Commissioner - www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/
View a copy of the Act - www.hmso.gov.uk/
View the explanatory notes published with the Act
Page updated: 12 Jun 2009