The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives individuals the right of access to all types of 'recorded' information held (subject to certain exemptions) and aims to increase openess and accountability within public authorities. As a local authority, Amber Valley Borough Council is committed to complying with the requirements of the FOI Act.
Public authorities have two main responsibilities under the Act: to produce a 'Publication Scheme' (a guide to the information held which is publicly available) and dealing with individual requests for information.
Anyone is able to make a request for information, although the request must be made in writing, including e-mail. The request must contain the applicant's name and address and clear details of the information sought. An Information Request Form is available on this site. The Act gives applicants two related rights:
- to be told whether the information is held by the public authority,
- to receive the information (and where possible, in the manner requested, i.e. as a copy or summary, or the applicant may ask to inspect a record).
Public authorities are obliged to provide information recorded both before and after the Act was passed. A response must be provided to the applicant within 20 working days unless a fee or exemption applies.
CHARGING FOR INFORMATION
Most of the information we hold is available free of charge. However, certain information and multiple copies of documents will be subject to a fee. The Council's charging policy is available on this page and you may find it useful to read before making a request for information.
For further information about the legislation and to access the publication scheme, use the links on this page.
