Data Protection and Freedom of Information
With the advent of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 the public has new rights to access information held by the Council. Under the Freedom of Information Act, it is the duty of every public authority to adopt and maintain a publication scheme. Publication schemes facilitate the proactive release of information and play a crucial role in supporting and providing greater openness and transparency across the public sector, creating a better understanding of how public authorities carry out their duties, The Act enables individuals and organisations to find out what information exists and request copies of documents.
Classes of Information
- Who we are and what we do
- What we spend and how we spend it
- What our priorities are and how we are doing
- How we make decisions
- Our policies and procedures
- Lists and registers
- Services provided by the Council
The Council's Publication Scheme lists information that the Council already makes available, either electronically, or in hard copy. There may be a charge for certain information requested under the Freedom of Information Act and some information will be subject to Exemptions.
Requests for access to information under the Act must be made in writing to the Town Clerk.
The Freedom of Information Act does not cover access to personal information held by the Council. For this, the Data Protection Act 1998 is the relevant legislation, and it allows the Council to hold and process personal data. The Council will only use the information you provide for its intended purpose. Nothing will be passed on to a third party for commercial use. Town Council policy is that information will be made available to officers across departments and other agencies where the legal framework allows it, if this helps improve the service you receive from the Council or to develop other services.
