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Freedom of information

Introduction

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act requires all public authorities, including Councils, to be open with information. The Act gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by the Council. It sets out exemptions from that right and places various obligations upon the Council. The Act came into force in two stages. From February 2003 the Council adopted and maintained a Publication Scheme. From 1 January 2005 any person who makes a request to the Council for information must be informed whether the Council holds that information and, subject to certain exemptions, supplied with that information.

The Council produces a publication scheme, which outlines the information that can be made available. The council will add to the scheme proactively, and would be interested to hear about what information you would like to access.

Making a Freedom of Information request

When making a request make the information as specific as possible. If your request is too broad the public authority may ask you to clarify it. This could mean it takes longer to get the information. Provide as full a description as possible of the information you require.

The Freedom of Information Act requires public authorities to have an approved Publication Scheme which is a means of providing access to information which an authority proactively publishes. So, before you make a request check The Publication Scheme .

You can make a FOI request:

• Online
• Freedom of Information Request  
• By email
• information_management@calderdale.gov.uk
• By post
• Information Management Team
  Democratic and Partnership Services
  Westgate House
  Halifax HX1 1PS
• By telephone
• 01422 392298.

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