Freedom of information requests

Another way of finding out what’s happening within your council is to use the Freedom of Information Act which came into force at the beginning of 2005. This provides individuals or organisations with the right to request information being held by a public authority (and this includes local authorities). It allows access to recorded information, such as e mails, meeting minutes, research or reports. You should be able to find something on your own council’s website about how to make an FoI request, but in broad terms you have to make the request in writing (it can be an electronic written request) and you should then be told in writing whether the information is held and have the information communicated to you within 20 days of the request.

Sometimes your council will be able to withold information, if for example the release of information would prejudice national security or commercial interests. Similarly, the Act does not give you a right of access to personal information about yourself (although this information can be requested under the Data Protection Act 1998). Nor does a council have to deal with vexatious or repeated requests for information.

There are also cost limitations to receiving information. A council can refuse a request if it estimates that it will cost more than £450 to fulfil your request. Where the limit is not exceeded, the only costs that can be passed to you are those associated with providing the information, for example photocopying and postage.

You can find more information about FoI requests from your own council’s website or from the Information Commissioner’s Office website