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Freedom of
Information
The Freedom of Information
(FOI) Act 2000 gives you right of access to information held by
public authorities. The aim of the act is to make public
authorities more open and accountable.
General Right of Access
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is retrospective and you have a
general right of access to recorded information held by us. You
also have a right to request this information.
Data Protection and Freedom of Information
If the information we hold is personal,
then the Data Protection Act 1998 will apply and a subject access
request should be made. If the information is not personal, then
the Freedom of Information Act 2000 will apply.
Making a Request
Freedom of Information requests must be made in writing - this
includes emails.
The request must state:
- Name
- Address for correspondence
- Specific description of the information requested
Anyone, anywhere in the world can make a request. For
example:
- Journalists
- Politicians
- Community Groups
- Companies
- Individuals
Once a record has been requested, it cannot be destroyed.
It is a criminal offence to amend, erase or destroy information
once a request is received.
Transferring Requests
If we receive a request for information we
do not have, we must let you know that we do not have the
information. If we did have it but have permanently destroyed it,
we must also let you know. If we know another public body that may
have the information, then we will either refer your request to the
public body or inform you of their details so you can make the
request directly.
Before making a request to us for information,
please check our
Freedom of Information Publication
Scheme (PDF, 166k), to make sure that the information
you require is not already listed.
Information published on our Publication Scheme is exempt under the
Freedom of Information Act 2000. We therefore do not have to deal
with your request for information.
To make a request for information that is not on the
Publication Scheme, you must provide the following:
- A contact name
- A contact address
- Your request MUST be specific
If your request is not specific and we are unable to find
the information requested, we will have to write to you requesting
further information. Please therefore help us to find the
information requested the first time by being clear and
precise.
Waiting Time
We have 20 working days to deal with your request. Please do
not contact us during this period, unless you have further
information to add to your request which will help us to find the
information requested.
We will usually provide the information requested free of charge.
However, where a charge is made you will be notified of the amount
payable in writing.
There may also be a charge for photocopying,
postage, packaging etc.
To make a request by email contact:
information.governance@newham.gov.uk |