Freedom of Information Act

What is the Freedom Of Information Act 2000?

Any person or organisation has the right to request any information from the council that the council holds, subject to the exemptions listed in the Act. The Act intends to promote a culture of openness and accountability and therefore facilitate better understanding of how the council (and other organisations) carry out their duties, why we make the decisions we do and how we spend public money.

If the information you want is not already available on this website you may make a specific request for information and we must deal with it in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. To make a request please put your request in writing to the council or complete the on-line form. Please include a name and address for correspondence, and the information you require in as much detail as you can offer.

Timescale

The council will normally be required to respond to your request within 20 working days from the date of receipt. However, this can be extended in certain circumstances.

Exemptions

The council must supply the information you have requested (if we hold it) within the timescale previously stated unless an exemption applies. An exemption may either permit the council to withhold some or all of the information. If an exemption applies, the council may take more time to consider your request. In either case you will be kept informed.

Charges

There is no charge for searching for information. However if the staff time involved to search, identify and retrieve the information exceeds £450.00, a charge can be made or we can refuse the request. We can make a nominal charge for disbursements e.g. photocopying at 10pence per A4 sheet. If a charge for searching for information is payable we will advise you but the information you have requested will not be supplied until that fee is paid.

Other legislation

If you make a request for information relating to yourself it will be dealt with under the Data Protection Act 1998 and you will be advised accordingly.

If your request relates to the environment it may be covered by the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and again you will be advised as to how your request will be actioned.

Advice and assistance

The council has a duty to provide advice and assist to help you obtain information from the council. This could be in the form of:-

• Providing help and assistance if you are visually impaired 
• Arranging assistance in interpreting information into other languages where practically reasonable 
• In exceptional circumstances noting down the request for you and obtaining your confirmation of the details 
• Referring you to other agencies for help such as the Citizens Advice Bureau 
• If the council does not hold the information requested but believes that some or all of the information is held by another public authority we will either provide you with the contact details of the other public authority or transfer your request to them with your consent

If you require any advice or assistance please contact:

Governance Officer
First Floor
Town Hall
Lancaster Road
Preston
PR1 2RL