Publication Scheme FOIAct
Background
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 received Royal Assent on 30th November 2000. The Act defines the public authorities that are covered by the Act and so are required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme. Paragraph 7, Part II of Schedule 1 of the Freedom of Information Act defined a "local council" within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1972 as a public authority.
What is a Publication Scheme?
Under the Act, every public authority is required to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme. This scheme provides the public with a structured listing of any information released, with authorities undertaking a commitment to make it available to all. The scheme must set out how the Parish Council intends to charge for providing the information. In this scheme, the term "publication" refers to documents available in a variety of formats.
Model Scheme
Wilmington Parish Council's publication scheme defines information that the Parish Council holds, and which is accessible to members of the public. The Parish Council strives to be as open as possible with local government information and the work it does. The Parish Council wishes to introduce greater openness and to continue to seek ways to make even more information available to the public.
What Charges are there?
Where a member of the public is seeking to obtain a copy of information included in this Parish Council's publication scheme, the council may set reasonable charges for this. Costs are available on application by post to the Clerk and may include photocopying costs, postage (where incurred) and staff time.
Confidentiality Notice
Wilmington Parish Council's policy is to be as open as possible and to supply the information requested, but the Parish Council may withhold any information if it considers its release not to be in the public interest and could cause significant harm. Any sensitive and confidential information is exempt from public dissemination.
Requests for Information
Requests for information should be made to the Clerk at – Wilmington Parish Council Office, Oakfield Park Pavilion, The Spire, Wilmington DA1 2TD or by email to [email protected]
The request must include details of the applicant's address in the Parish and the information sought.
The Parish Council will respond within 20 days of the request. If a fee is required, the Parish Council can extend this period up to 3 months until the fee is paid.
Please note that the Council's Policies and Procedures will be added as Sub-Pages over the coming days but should the document required not be listed please contact the Clerk as above