Freedom of Information Act

Democracy

Publication Scheme of North Shropshire District Council

Introduction

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives the public a general right of access to all recorded information held by public authorities including the District Council. This right is subject to certain exemptions.

The Act requires the Council to produce a 'Publication Scheme' and this is the Council's scheme.

This Scheme does not affect other rights which the public have to access information, for example the right to inspect planning applications. Nor does it affect the general right to request information from the Council not included in this Scheme.

Purpose of Scheme

The purpose of the Scheme is to let everyone know what information will automatically be available. It divides the information into various 'classes' to make it easier for those looking for information to find it. Each class has a title, a description, gives details of the information contained in it, how it can be obtained and whether there is any charge for providing it. It also indicates whether there are any exemptions from supplying the information.

Confidential Information

A great deal of information which the Council holds is personal and private to individuals, and neither the Act nor this Scheme will be making such information public. The individual concerned has access to that information under the Data Protection Act. In other words your private affairs and business with the Council as an individual are not generally the subject of the Scheme.

How can the information be obtained?

This Scheme indicates under each class where the information can be obtained. Where it is on the Council's website which is www.northshropshiredc.gov.uk it will give instructions as to how to access it. If you do not have access to the internet or would prefer to see a 'hard' copy of the document, it can be inspected at the Council Offices at Edinburgh House, New Street, Wem, Shropshire, SY4 5DB.

Where the information is available at the Customer Services desk in the Council Offices. The offices are open from Monday to Thursday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Fridays from 9.00 a.m. till 4.30 p.m.

Will there be a charge for copies of the documents?

Most of these documents are very detailed and you will appreciate we do not have unlimited supplies of these. Accordingly they are generally not to be taken away but can be inspected at the offices. If there are 'spare' printed copies of the document available, one copy will be provided free of charge. If you want a photocopy the charges will be based on the current scale of charges.

General Requests for Information

From 1st January, 2005 you may make a request to be informed in writing whether the Council holds specific information and if we do you may have access to it. Subject to certain exemptions. Any such request must:

• Be in writing
• Give your name and address for correspondence
• Describe the information you want

Forms for you to use are available from the Council Offices, Libraries and Information Centres. If you want a form please ring 01939 232771.

A response will be sent to you letting you know whether we have the information and asking how you want to access it. If we have the information and are not going to give you access we will explain why. An exemption may apply. If you are not satisfied with our response you may complain.

Exemptions

The Act provides for a general right of access to information but there are 23 exemptions where the Council need not respond. Exemptions fall into two broad categories:

• Absolute exemptions, i.e. those which apply to a whole class or category, e.g. legal prohibitions or court records.
• Exemptions where a public interest test applies, e.g. information likely to prejudice national defence or the U.K.'s interests.

Local Land Charges Register and Enquiries of Local Authorities (Local Searches)

The Council already has in place a mechanism for the public to obtain information in respect of conveyancing matters, and this is covered by the submission of the LLC.1 and the Con 29 on payment of the appropriate fee.

Complaints

The Council has a Compliments and Complaints Procedure in place and any complaints about how a request for information has been dealt with can be accessed under that Procedure. Details of this can be obtained from David Bates, Customer Services Improvement Manager (01939 238471). This does not limit your rights to complain to the Information Commissioner in relation to the Council's responsibilities under the Act. The Commissioner can be contacted at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF (Telephone: 01625 545 745, Fax: 01625 524 510 or e-mail data@protection.gov.uk) Click Here For More Details

Duration of this Scheme

This Scheme took effect on 1st January 2005 and is reviewed regularly.

Suggestions

If you have any queries or suggestions or if you have any difficulty in reading any of the documents produced under this Scheme because of a visual impairment please contact David Bates, Customer Services Improvement Manager on 01939 238471.