The Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FolA) gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, including South Bedfordshire District Council.
From January 2005 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. This information is subject to South Beds access procedure (PDF 19.8KB)
The Council's Policy on Freedom of Information
The Council is fully supportive of the rights under the Act. To view the Council's Policy on Freedom of Information Policy Statement (PDF 80.4KB)
Publication Scheme
The Council has adopted a Publication Scheme which aims to make publicly available as much information as possible. The Scheme sets out the classes of information that it publishes or intends to publish; the manner in which information in each class is, or is intended to be, published; whether the material is available to the public free of charge or on payment. Publication Scheme (PDF 292.7KB).
How to use the Publication SchemThe information in the Publication Scheme has been divided into five main categories reflecting the council's corporate functions and the services provided to the public.
The five categories are:
1. The Council and Democracy
2. Council Finances
3. Council Policies and Performance
4. Human Resources
5. The Council Services
Within each category are listed the classes of information which are available.
If you wish to obtain any of the information listed in the scheme the format in which the information is available is indicated for each class of information.
Some of the documents are available to download from this website. Other documents are available on request by contacting the officer identified in the scheme.
There is a section at the end of the Publication Scheme showing the types of requests that have been made and the information that has been provided.
Making a Request
If you wish to make a request for information, please do so by completing our Online Information Request Form. The Council has to respond to your request within 20 working days. Alternatively you can come into the offices to get a Request Form that can be completed by hand.
Fees
In certain circumstances a fee may be payable. If so you will be advised before we proceed with your request and, where a fee is payable, the fee must be paid before the Council can comply with your request. Freedom of Information Fees Structure (PDF 47.1KB).
Exemptions
The Freedom of Information Act sets out exemptions from the right of access to recorded information.
The Council Welcomes Your Comments and Feedback on the Scheme:
Email: accesstoinfo@southbeds.gov.uk
Telephone: 0845 849 6125 or 01582 472222 Ext. 32403
Complaints
If you wish to make a complaint about the way the Council has dealt with your request, please do so through the Council's online complaints procedure.
Alternatively you can telephone 0845 849 6125 or write to Corporate Service Manager (Legal and Democratic), South Bedfordshire District Council, The District Offices, High Street North, Dunstable, Beds. LU6 1LF and a complaints booklet and form will be sent to you.
We hope that this will resolve your complaint. However, you do have the right to take your complaint to the Information Commissioner if you are not satisfied with the outcome.
Further Information
Further information about the Freedom of Information Act is available from the following sites:-
www.ico.gov.uk - Information Commissioner's Office
Updated 11 April 2008
