Introduction
The Freedom of Information Act requires all public authorities to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme.
Publication Scheme (65KB pdf).
Make a Freedom of Information Request.
The idea of it is to let everyone know what information with be automatically, or routinely, published by the District Council. To do this, the Act requires that a scheme contains a list of classes of information. The way that we have arranged this in our scheme is to set out seven classes or categories as follows
For each classification, the scheme gives the title of the class, a definition, a brief explanation and finally, a description of how the information can be viewed.
In preparing this scheme, our paramount regard has been for the public interest. We have taken notice of the sort of information that people normally request of us and of the matters that appear to interest and concern people. We want to contribute to a culture of readily making information available to further the interests of open and accountable local government.
In this context, it is important to recognise that we already publish a great deal of information. This process will now be complemented by the right of public access to information contained in the Act. This scheme and the legislation do not in any way limit the existing rights that people have to information.
This means, for example, that planning applications will continue to be available for public inspection. Similarly, the rights of our tenants and housing applicants with regard to information concerning their tenancy and application are also unaffected.
Further, we will continue to publish a large amount of material by way of guidance or assistance about various services on a routine basis.
It is very important to state, however, that a great deal of the information that we hold is personal and private to individuals.
The relevant legislation here is the Data Protection Act 1998 and the rights given by it will not be compromised by the new legislation. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 does not permit private and confidential information about private arrangements between an individual and the council (such as council tax, benefits or housing tenancies to mention only a few) to be made public, although the individual concerned will retain the right of personal access to that information under the Data Protection Act. Your private affairs and business with the council as an individual are not the subject of this publication scheme.
The Council’s Monitoring Officer, is the officer responsible for the Freedom of Information regime and the Publication Scheme on behalf of the Council. The Data Protection Officer is responsible for handling requests for information governed by data protection rights. Both can be contacted at Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Royal Leamington Spa CV32 5HZ (telephone 01926 450000 ).
The opportunity to complain to the Council does not place any limitation on the right of any individual to refer a complaint to the Information Commissioner (either about freedom of information or data protection) at the following address:
Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF
DX: 20819 Wilmslow
Telephone: 01625 545700
Fax: 01625 524510
data@dataprotection.gov.uk
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
It is a requirement for councils to keep its Publication Scheme under review. This document is a first amendment of the original Scheme, and took effect in December 2004.
Document management and disposal policies for the Council, dealing with the general principles for the management, retention and disposal of information have been adopted in accordance with national guidance.
It and the information to which it refers are available in the first language of the district, English, but if anyone has any difficulty with this and requires a transcript in another language, they are invited to contact the Monitoring Officer. This also applies if anyone would like a large print version or otherwise requires specific assistance in a particular way.
No charge will be made for examining the information within this publication scheme on receipt of a request, although a charge may be made for any photocopies that are requested, or in dealing with complex information requests, at rates to be determined by the Council from time to time.
The information within the Publication Scheme relates only to Warwick District Council.
Our aim has been to map out the Council’s responsibilities under this Act clearly and unambiguously. We have also tried to set out the areas of our day-to-day work by including a class of information that makes reference to our services (with appropriate contacts) in a format that we hope you will find useful.
If you have any suggestions about this scheme (and particularly comments to improve it), please contact the Monitoring Officer.
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