Freedom of Information
What is the Act about ? / How do I make a Request for Information
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities such as Cannock Chase Council.
A request can be made about any information that the Council holds, excepting where there are exemptions that apply, prohibiting its release.
The following are a list of the most relevant exemptions to our Council, i.e. reasons where we cannot release information:
- Where the cost / time to retrieve the information is prohibitive.
- If it is accessible by other means / already in the public domain.
- If it is intended for future publication.
- Where information relates to security matters.
- Investigations and proceedings conducted by public authorities
- Information that would prejudice Law enforcement.
- Where release would prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs.
- If release could adversely affect Health and safety.
- Where it contains personal information.
- Where information has been provided in confidence.
- Where there are prohibitions on disclosure by other law.
The above is not an exhaustive list, and further information on the above, with other exemptions are available to view on the Information Commissioner's Website.
So how do I make a request?
A Freedom of Information request must be made in written form and can be submitted by any of the following methods:
email: infomanager@cannockchasedc.gov.uk or
Write to the Information Manager at the Civic Centre, Beecroft Road, Cannock, Staffordshire
You will receive a reply within 20 working days.
Publication Scheme
Cannock Chase Council makes a large amount of information available to its citizens in an open way. Information can be obtained through its website, leaflets and other publications. The Council wants its residents to have access to all the information they need in order to be open and transparent.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), the Council is required to increase access to the information it holds, and part of the Act requires the provision of a Publication Scheme.
Cannock Chase Council's Publication Scheme provides a guide to the information routinely made available to the public.
Information not covered by the publication scheme
Not all the information the council publishes is detailed in the publication scheme. Information that is not published can be requested by emailing infomanager@cannockchasedc.gov.uk. Your request will be considered under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.
The Freedom of Information Act sets out a range of information that is exempt from publication. If you make a request for information which the council considers to be exempted from release, the council will advise you of the reasons for the exemptions.
You can download and view our publication scheme below.
The method by which information published under this scheme will be made available
Cannock Chase Council will indicate clearly to the public what information is covered by this scheme and how it can be obtained.
Where it is within the capability of a Cannock Chase Council, information will be provided on a website. Where it is impracticable to make information available on this website or when an individual does not wish to access the information by the website, a public authority will indicate how information can be obtained by other means and provide it by those means.
In exceptional circumstances some information may be available only by viewing in person. Where this manner is specified, contact details will be provided. An appointment to view the information will be arranged within a reasonable timescale.
Information will be provided in the language in which it is held or in such other language that is legally required. Where Cannock Chase Council is legally required to translate any information, it will do so.
Obligations under disability and discrimination legislation and any other legislation to provide information in other forms and formats will be adhered to when providing information in accordance with this scheme.
Charges which may be made for Information published under this scheme
The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public. Charges made by the authority for routinely published material will be justified and transparent and kept to a minimum.
Material which is published and accessed on a website will be provided free of charge. Charges may be made for information subject to a charging regime specified by
Parliament.
Charges may be made for actual disbursements incurred such as:
- photocopying
- postage and packaging
- the costs directly incurred as a result of viewing information
Charges may also be made for information provided under this scheme where they are legally authorised, they are in all the circumstances, including the general principles of the right of access to information held by public authorities, justified and are in accordance with a published schedule or schedules of fees which is readily available to the public.
Charges may also be made for making datasets (or parts of datasets) that are relevant copyright works available for re-use. These charges will be in accordance with the terms of the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015, where they apply, or with regulations made under section 11B of the Freedom of Information Act, or with other statutory powers of the public authority.
If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided. Payment may be requested prior to provision of the information.
Contact details
Should you require any assistance, please contact the information manager at infomanager@cannockchasedc.gov.uk.
The Information Commissioner
Further information about the Publication Scheme and the Freedom of Information Act can be obtained from the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office), Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF
Telephone: 01625 545745 or www.ico.gov.uk
Last Updated: 02/06/2023
