Publication Scheme

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on public authorities, including Gedling Borough Council. Any person who makes a request to a public authority for information must be informed whether the public authority holds that information and, subject to exemptions, supplied with that information.

Individuals also have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998.

Section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2003 requires every public authority to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme, which has been approved by the Information Commissioner and to publish information in accordance with that Scheme. The Information Commissioner has issued a Model Publication Scheme to be adopted by all public authorities with effect from 1 January 2009.

We have arranged our Publication Scheme so that there are seven classes of information which are:

Who we are and what we do

Organisational information, locations and contacts, constitutional and legal governance.

What we spend and how we spend it

Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, tendering, procurement and contracts.

What our priorities are and how we are doing

Strategy and performance information, plans, assessments, inspections and reviews.

How we make decisions

Policy proposals and decisions. Decision making processes, internal criteria and procedures, consultations.

Our policies and procedures

Current written protocols for delivering our functions and responsibilities.

Lists and registers

Information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority.

The services we offer

Advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, transactions and media releases. A description of the services offered

The classes of information will not generally include:

• Information the disclosure of which is prevented by law, or exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, or is otherwise properly considered to be protected from disclosure.
• Information in draft form.
• Information that is no longer readily available as it is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is difficult to access for similar reasons.

How much do publications cost?

The Model Publication Scheme allows for fees to be charged where it can be justified. The Council recognises that making information available proactively is in the public interest and imposing high levels of charges for routine information could be seen to undermine public access to official information.

Most of the information made available under the Model Publication Scheme is published on the website and will be made available no cost. The Council will only charge a fee where a statutory charge applies or the information is provided in hard copy form. In such a case, the Council will charge the cost of printing, copying or postage involved, in accordance with the Model Publication Scheme Fees.

How are they published?

Most of the information made available under the Model Publication Scheme is published on the website. Where the document or information is not available on the website, the guide to information will specify who to contact to arrange an appointment to view or obtain copies.

What about information not published under the Publication Scheme?

Information held by the Council, which has not been published under this Scheme, can be requested in writing under the Freedom of Information Act.

Feedback

The publication of the Scheme is a requirement of Section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. A Scheme is a commitment to routinely and proactively provide information to the public. It is important therefore that the Scheme meets your needs. We welcome suggestions for additional information that could be included or how the Scheme might be improved. Any questions, comments or complaints about this Scheme should be sent to Legal Services at the Civic Centre or email inforequest@gedling.gov.uk