THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000

The Freedom of Information Act requires public authorities like the Council to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme.

What is a Publication Scheme?

A Publication Scheme is a text document setting out the categories or types of information held by the Council in a clear and structured way. Information is classified by type, with the intention of saving you time and effort by making it easier to find what you want. The Council's Publication Scheme is now available on this website, at the Municipal Offices, Grimsby, Civic Offices, Cleethorpes, Immingham Office, Kennedy Way and at other Council offices. The purpose of the Scheme is to make sure that a significant and growing amount of information is easily available without the need for individuals to make a specific request and to encourage a culture of openness within local government.  The Council is publishing its Scheme which has been approved by the Information Commissioner so that you can see, first hand, what we are publishing or what we intend to publish on a regular basis.

View the Scheme on line (pdf file, 93KB). You will need  Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file - you can get the free download from our  Downloads section

Access to information not listed in the Publication Scheme

From January 2005 you will have a general right of access to all types of information held by the Council. This right covers information recorded in any form and obtained from any sources, not just that published by the Council. Access requests must be made in writing and you may have to pay a fee. The Government has not set the fee yet but it is likely to be the cost of locating and retrieving the information plus the actual photocopying and postage. The Council will be required to respond to requests for information within 20 working days confirming:

• Whether any information is held.
• A copy of all information that can be released.
• The exemptions applying to any information withheld.

Can the Council withhold information?

The Freedom of Information Act has been introduced in order to modernise government and encourage more open and accountable decision making but there are some exemptions to the right of access. The Council will be able to withhold information like details of legal proceedings, information provided in confidence or information covered by the Data Protection Act 1998. The Council will not be required to provide information if the cost of locating it or retrieving it is excessive and repeated requests for the same or similar information can be refused.

If you have any questions about your rights under the Freedom of Information Act please contact the Council's Director of Law & Democratic Services Rob Walsh on (01472) 324001 rob.walsh@nelincs.gov.uk

Further Information

Further detailed information about your rights under the Data Protection Act 1998 is available on the Information Commissioner's website at:

http://www.ico.gov.uk/ or by telephone on 01625 545745.

You can also find further information on the Department of Constitutional Affairs Website at

http://www.dca.gov.uk