Freedom of Information publication scheme

The scheme commits us to:

• Proactively publish or make available information including environmental information, which is held by us and falls within the classifications on this page.
• Specify the information which is held by us and falls within the classifications.
• Proactively publish or make available as a matter of routine, information in line with the statements contained within this scheme.
• Produce and publish the methods by which the specific information is made routinely available so that it can be easily identified and accessed by you.
• Review and update this information on a regular basis.
• Proactively produce a list of charges for access to the information.
• Make this publication scheme available to you.

We have split our publication scheme into seven classes of information that cover the areas where we publish information. We have followed the model scheme required by the Information Commissioner's Office. Please also see our Transparency and accountability pages.

Charges which may be made for information published under this scheme

The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public. Charges made by the council for routinely published material will be justified, transparent and kept to a minimum.

The information which is published and accessed on a website will be provided free of charge. Charges may be made for actual disbursements subject to a charging regime specified by Parliament.

Charges may be made for actual disbursements incurred such as:

• photocopying
• postage and packaging
• the costs directly incurred because of viewing information

Charges may also be made for information provided under this scheme where they are legally authorised, they are in all circumstances, including the general principles of the right of access to information held by public authorities, justified and are in accordance with a published schedule or schedules of fees which is readily available to the public.

If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided. Payment may be requested prior to provision of the information.

Classes of information

What is not included

Out of the classes of information that we provide, we will not generally include the following information:

• when the disclosure of which is prevented by law, or exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, or is otherwise properly considered to be protected from disclosure
• when information is in draft form
• when information is no longer readily available as it is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is difficult to access for similar reasons

How the information will be made available

We will make most of this information available and accessible through our website. Information will be provided in the language in which it is held or in such other language that is legally required. Where a council is legally required to translate any information, we will do so.

In exceptional circumstances some information may be available only by viewing in person. Where this manner is specified, contact details will be provided and appointment to view the information will be arranged within a reasonable timescale.

Obligations under disability and discrimination legislation and any other legislation to provide information in other forms and formats will be adhered to when providing information in accordance with this scheme.

Written requests

Information held by us that is not published under this scheme can be requested in writing, when it's provision will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. See our Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulation page for how to do this.