Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) aims to make the whole of government, including Ellisfield Parish Council, more open and accountable by providing the public with access to information.

Since 1 January 2005, all requests for information received by us have had to be answered in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. This means that we must:

• let you know if the information you have requested is held by the council; and
• if it is, let you have the information within a 20 working day timescale.

Charges which may be made for Information published under this scheme

The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public. Charges made by the authority for routinely published material will be justified and transparent and kept to a minimum.

Material which is published and accessed on a website will be provided free of charge.

Charges may be made for information subject to a charging regime specified by Parliament.

Charges may be made for actual disbursements incurred such as:

 • photocopying (10p per black and white page)

 • postage and packaging

 • the costs directly incurred as a result of viewing information

Charges may also be made for information provided under this scheme where they are legally authorised, they are in all the circumstances, including the general principles of the right of access to information held by public authorities, justified and are in accordance with a published schedule or schedules of fees which is readily available to the public.

If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided. Payment may be requested prior to provision of the information.

Written Requests

Information held by a public authority that is not published under this scheme can be requested in writing, when its provision will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

Publication Scheme

From 1 January 2009, all public bodies are required to adopt a model publication scheme.  This will tell you all of the information we currently publish and how you can access it. The information you want may already be included in the publication scheme - so please check the documents first.

Details of Ellisfield Parish Council’s publication scheme can be found in the attached document.

Ellisfield Parish Council Freedom of Information Act Publication Scheme

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Page last edited on 21 Aug 2009     © 2002-2008 Ellisfield Parish Council