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 openness 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 email. The request must contain the applicant's name and address and clear details of the information sought. An information request form is available to download or you can complete the online form below. The act gives applicants two related rights:
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.
You will not be charged for information that is readily available, unless a charge is listed in our publication scheme. However, the regulations allow us to pass on disbursement costs that are incurred when processing a request. This includes photocopying and the cost of CDs and DVDs.
In line with the regulations, if expenses such as photocopying are more than £10 or staff costs are more than £450, we will pass these on to you. We will tell you if we plan to charge, so that you can decide whether to carry on with the request. We have the right to withhold information if you do not pay the charge.
View the full fees and charges schedule before making your request.
Please complete the below form, once submitted a member of our team will contact you within 3 to 5 working days.
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email foi@ambervalley.gov.uk
