As a public authority, we are required by law to abide by the statutory requirements of both the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004 and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000.
Environmental Information Regulations 2004
The EIR 2004 govern the public’s right to request environmental information held by the Council. These regulations stipulate that we must respond to a request received verbally or in writing as soon as possible, but incidentally within 20 working days of receiving the request.
There are exceptions which provide us with a means of refusing a request. However before we are able to refuse a request on the grounds of an exception, we must balance the public interest in disclosure of the information requested, against the public interest in withholding the information in question. Only when the balance favours withholding, can we refuse to supply this information.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
The FOIA 2000 provides members of the public with a right to request documented information held by the Council. Such requests must be made in writing, and should clearly describe the information requested and should include an address for correspondence. We must ensure that a response is provided within 20 working days of having received the request.
There are circumstances when we can refuse to supply information and these are outlined on our Refusing a request page.
To make a request for information under the EIR or FOIA please visit our Make a request page.