How is my request handled?
We will provide your information within 20 working days, or tell you why we can’t release it.
If any charges apply we will send you a fees notice. When we send out a fees notice the 20 day countdown is suspended until we receive full payment. If we don’t receive full payment within three months of the date of the fees notice then your request will lapse.
For full details about charges see our Freedom of Information Fees policy.
If an exemption applies
Our policy is to make as much information available as possible, but sometimes we will need to keep information confidential. The act provides exemptions from disclosure in certain circumstances.
There are 23 different exemptions but not all of them can or will apply to information held by us. Information may be exempt if it is:
- personal information, but you can get access to information the council holds about you under the Data Protection Act
- information that we have to make public (such as the agendas and minutes of Council meetings) or is already published (eg on website) or is available through our publication scheme
- legal advice or trade secrets
- information where disclosure would be a breach of confidence
- information where disclosure would endanger health and safety.
If an exemption applies to some of the information in a file, we will still release as much of the rest as possible.
Occasionally we may need more time to consider any exemptions. If so, then we will let you know the revised deadline.
You can find out more information on exemptions from the Information Commissioner's Office website.
