Freedom of Information - Your Right to Know

This web page gives you a brief guide on your rights under Freedom of Information Legislation.

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

The Freedom of Information Act is fully operational from the 1st January 2005 giving you the right of access to information of all types, subject to some restrictions, held by public bodies such as this Council.

What is a publication scheme?

All organisations covered by Freedom of Information legislation must have a publication scheme.  The Council's scheme was first published in December 2002 and has recently been updated.  This document contains details of all the information the Council routinely makes available such as committee minutes and agendas, details of planning applications and decisions.

Where can I get a copy of the publication scheme?

A paper copy is available on request from:

Customer Services Direct, 54 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, IP14 1AD Telephone 0844 8000101 or Council Offices, 131 High Street, Needham Market, Ipswich IP6 8DL Telephone 01449 724692

What about information not in the publication scheme?

You may request any other information not mentioned in the publication scheme.  The Act specifies that that this should be in writing but this includes fax and e-mail.  We can also help you to put the request in writing.

What should the request include?

The request must:

• Give the name of the person asking for the information
• Give an address for correspondence to be sent to (an e-mail contact address is acceptable)
• Describe the information wanted

Are there any charges?

• Mid Suffolk District Council aims to make as much information as possible available without charge
• The publication scheme gives details of some documents where a charge does apply
• Charges for individual requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the prescribed fee regulations and in most instances there will not be a charge

What are my rights when making a request?

• To be told whether the information exists. Sometimes called a "duty to confirm or deny"
• If the information does exist, the right to receive the information, within 20 days of making the request, unless an exemption applies
• You do not have to state why you want the information but you need to be able to describe in enough detail the information you are looking for to enable the request to be dealt with

What are the exemptions mentioned?

• The Acts provides for a total of 23 exemptions from the need to supply you with information, many of which do not apply in local government
• There are two categories of exemption, firstly absolute, such as information that cannot be released by law or might affect a court case, and secondly qualified such as commercial interest to which a public interest test is applied

Where can I get further details?

Further details on the exemptions and our procedures for handling requests are available in another leaflet, which includes a form on which you can make a request. Or contact us as detailed below

Important!

• The Freedom of Information Act does not cover requests for personal data
• If you want to see details of information the Council holds about you, then you need to make a subject access request under the Data Protection Act
• There are separate leaflets explaining your rights under this Act and an application form you can use

More details and a form to request information are available.

For further information visit our web site www.midsuffolk.gov.uk  or contact:

Freedom
Mid Suffolk District Council
131 High Street
Needham Market
IpswichIP6 8DL
Telephone 01449 724692
E-mail freedom@midsuffolk.gov.uk 

The Information Commissioner also produces a number of leaflets and other publications

Information Commissioners Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
SK9 5AF
Telephone 01625 545 700
E-mail mail@ico.gsi.gov.uk