Introduction
Freedom of Information is the
councils' commitment to its customers to provide greater access to
information. As a customer you have a right of access to
information that we hold and we are keen to help you to do
this.
Freedom of Information at Telford & Wrekin Council covers not
only the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI), but also the Data
Protection Act 1998 (DPA), The Environmental Information
Regulations 2004 (EIR) and the Re-use of Public Sector Information
regulations 2005 (PSI).
Finding information
You will find a lot of information
about what we do, how decisions are taken and the services we offer
on our website. The publication scheme is a guide to the
types of information we make available to the public as a
matter of routine.
You can find out more by using the useful links on the right hand
side of this page.
Requests for information
If you cannot find the information you need on the web site you
can make a request for information.
Making a
request
You can do this in several ways:
- Send a letter including your name,
address and any other details that could help us to find your
information.
- Apply online
- Email
foi@telford.gov.uk.
- Download a Request for information form and return to
the address given
- Alternatively you can call in to the
offices or speak to one of the information team on 01952 382537.
(Please be advised that you may be referred to someone else in the
council who is more able to give you specific
advice).
If the request is for information about you, we will need
to verify that you are who you say you are. To do this we will
require proof of your identity, such as a photocopy of your photo
driving licence or passport, therefore it is best if you download
and complete a Subject Access Form which is available here.
Don't forget to include proof of identity with your
application.
Timeframe
Once we receive your
request we will let you know whether or not we hold the information
as soon as possible.
We aim to deal with all requests for information within the
timescales required by the individual legislation (20 working days
for FOI and EIR requests and 40 calendar days for DPA).
Cost
- FOIA requests: Initially we will calculate how long it will
take us to search for, and collate the information you have asked
for. If the cost to us is more than £450
(equivalent to two and a half days of officer time), the law says
we can refuse to provide the information. If your request does
exceed this cost we will ask you to refine your application rather
than refuse your request outright. Please note that you will not be
expected to pay this fee, however we may ask you to pay postage and
any copying charges before we send the information out to you.
- EIR requests will be charged at a rate of £50 per hour, with a
minimum charge of £50. Fees will need to be paid prior to the
information being released to you.
- Data protection requests will be provided free of
charge
Exemptions
We will provide you with the information you have requested
wherever possible, however there are some exemptions that may
prevent us from releasing the information.
For example:
- Data protection will prevent you from seeing someone else's
personal information
- Information that is available by other means (that which is
published on the Publication Scheme for instance) will not normally
be provided unless you have problems with access
- Information which is due to be published at a later date will
normally not be available to you before that date.
If we apply an exemption we will
tell you and give you the reason.
What happens if I am not happy with the outcome of my
request?
If we refuse some or all of your request you have the right to
complain. You can do this by contacting our Complaints Manager at
the following address:
Community Services
Telford & Wrekin Council
Civic Offices
PO Box 59
Telford
TF3 4WZ
Further information can be found on our
complaints page.
If you are still dissatisfied the Information Commissioners
office is an independent body that enforces the above legislation.
You can contact the Information Commissioner at the following
address:
Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
You will also find useful advice and guidance about our
responsibilities and your rights on their website - use the link on
the right of this
page. |