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Freedom of information

The Publication Scheme

This is a Publication Scheme produced pursuant to section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The purpose of the Act is to promote greater openness by public authorities (that is, government and other public sector organisations).

The Council is required to devise and publish a Publication Scheme which sets out:

• the classes of information which the Council publishes or intends to publish
• how that information may be obtained
• whether or not a charge will be made for the information.

The Publication Scheme came into operation on 28 February 2003.

What information is available?

The Scheme describes various classes of information. It is not a comprehensive list of the actual publications, since this will change as other things are published but rather it is a description of the classes or types of information published. The classes of information are described in Section 4: How to use the scheme . Any information published after the Scheme comes into operation will fall into one of these classes.

Are there any limitations?

We have set out any specific limitations to the information which is available. Unless otherwise stated, we will only give access to current versions of documents listed in the classes. Excluded throughout the scheme are general correspondence sent or received by the Council, all information relating to private individuals which is personal data to which the Data Protection Act 1998 applies, and information exempt under Part II of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All definitions of classes or types of documents should be read accordingly.

Where is the information available?

Each class sets out where the information is available. Much of the published information can also be downloaded directly from the Council’s web site or is available for consultation at your local library. This includes committee reports, plans and policies, newsletters and information booklets, information relating to the various service areas, and how the Council works.

If you have a disability, arrangements can be made on request to provide this document in alternative formats and it can also be made available in some community languages. Please contact the Information Management Co-ordinator whose details appear in Section six: Feedback and complaints .

Is there a charge?

If no charges are shown we will only charge you reasonable photocopying expenses. Unless otherwise stated, photocopying charges will be as follows: 10p per A4 sheet and 20p per A3 sheet. Whilst most information can be accessed free of charge, apart from reasonable photocopying expenses, certain publications and other classes of information will only be available on receipt of specified fees or copying charges. All such fees and charges are subject to review and, whilst we have stated charges to date, you should contact the service area holding the information for up to date charges.

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