Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, we will adopt and maintain a 'Publication Scheme' so that information can be made available to the public.
The Scheme has been approved by the Information Commissioner and follows the standard format used by Local Authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Scheme will be updated regularly and by developing this Scheme we will make as much information available as possible.
Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act was passed on 30 November 2000. It creates a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by local authorities. It also sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on local authorities. The Act applies to the vast majority of local authorities in the United Kingdom.
The Information Commissioner has a duty to promote best practice under the Act and to ensure compliance. The Commissioner's address is:
The Office of the Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5 AF
http://www.ico.gov.uk/
Your rights to information under the Freedom of Information Act came into force on 1 January 2005. From that date, subject to certain exemptions, we are required to:
- Let you know in writing whether we hold information you have asked for.
- Provide any information we have to you within 20 working days
We have a duty to provide advice or assistance to you or anyone seeking information (e.g. to explain what information is available or to clarify what you want to know).
Further information with regard to your rights of access is available at www.sholland.gov.uk/council/informationrights/foi/default.htm
Purpose and structure of the Publication Scheme
The purpose of our Publication Scheme is to let you know what information is readily available from us. By 'readily available' we mean information that is on our Website or that can be obtained or purchased from us by letter, e-mail or telephone call.
In creating and reviewing this Publication Scheme, we have had to consider the public interest when:
- Allowing public access to information we hold.
- Publicising the reasons for the decisions we make.
By law our Publication Scheme must:
- Set out the classes of information which we publish or intend to publish.
- Say how we will publish the information in each class.
- Say if we will provide the information free or charge for it.
This Scheme is in three parts. Part 1 tells you about the Scheme. Part 2 sets out the classes or types of information that we publish or intend to publish. Part 3 provides the list of our publications, listing specific publications we make available, how they can be obtained and whether they are free or for a charge.
The purpose of this Publication Scheme is to make information available before you need to ask for it.
Obtaining information under the Publication Scheme
South Holland District Council routinely publishes large volumes of information on its Website. Most information provided in our Publication Scheme will be freely available for downloading from the Website.
Information listed under the Scheme may be requested by phone, e-mail, fax or letter from the contact details that are shown in the Guide to Information.
If you require further information or require assistance obtaining information you can refer to our Freedom of Information pages or contact the Customer Services Manager by:
- Post at Council Offices, Priory Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 2XE
- Phone on 01775 761161 or fax on 01775 711253
- email at info@sholland.gov.uk
To help us track down the document or information you want, please give us as much information as possible.
Charging for information in the Publication Scheme
We hope to provide you with as much information as possible free of charge but occasionally there will be a charge, particularly for large requests. The Guide to Information (PDF, 375KB) shows where there is a charge for information.
Where the scheme states that there is no charge it is on the basis that copies of the documents are readily available without the need to photocopy. If it is necessary to photocopy printed material a charge will apply based on our current fees and charges which are set out in the publication scheme. You will be advised of any charges and be asked to agree them before the information is supplied.
Changes to the Publication Scheme
We will review the contents of this scheme regularly. After each review new material will be added.
Tell us what you think
We are committed to expanding the amount of information in this scheme and ensuring that you can find, request, and receive information easily.
We are also determined that our Publication Scheme contains information that is of use to everyone interested in understanding more about the services of South Holland District Council.
Therefore, we value your thoughts.
Please contact the Head of Legal and Member Services if you would like to comment on the Scheme, request further information about the maintenance of the Scheme, or if you are unhappy with the information service provided through the Scheme.
You can contact us by:
- post to Legal and Member Services, Council Offices, Priory Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 2XE
- by phone on 01775 761161or by fax on 01775 711253
- email at info@sholland.gov.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
You may view the Frequently Asked Questions page to see if your question about the Publication Scheme required under the Freedom of Information Act has been answered
