In recent years, legislation has established the statutory right
for members of the public to access information held by public
authorities. These laws have been introduced to promote greater
openness and accountability and a 'right to know' culture.
There are four channels for access to information, each of the
four channels differ slightly and there are some exemptions to what
information can be released. A fee may also be payable depending on
the complexity and volume of the information being requested.
Data Protection Act 1998 -
allows you access to the personal information the Council holds
about you.
Environmental Information Regulations
2004 - allows you access to information regarding
the environment.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
- allows you access to all other records the Council holds that are
not personal or environmental.
Re-use of Public Sector Information
Regulations 2005 - introduced to encourage the
re-use of information held by public bodies and local
authorities.
Disclosure logs - lists of all
the Freedom of Information requests received by the Council since
January 2005 and the Environmental Information Regulations requests
received since February 2007.
Publication scheme - lists
information that is routinely
published.