The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000 came into force on 1 January 2005. You, organisations or companies can ask for information from us.
You have the right to be told in writing whether we hold the requested information and to get that information in 20 working days, subject to some exemptions.
This can include information held within minutes of meetings, correspondence, reports, and notes.
What information is exempt
There are 23 exemptions contained within FOIA. Some information is exempt, for example, because it is personal information and is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)/Data Protection Act 2018 (s.40), or because it is being used in a criminal enquiry.
The exemptions ensure that a proper balance is achieved between the right to know, the right to personal privacy and the delivery of effective government. The council will need to consider the content of the information, the effect that disclosure would have on the source of information and the purpose for which the information was recorded. If information is going to be withheld, the council must explain which specific exemptions apply and the reasons for this decision.
Requesting Information
From 1 April 2023, for a transitional period, to submit FOI will need to got to the former councils' websites.
Select your local area for more information:
Find your local area
Why you're going to a different website
As a new council we are in the process of adding information to this website. To give you the information you need some pages will link back to the old council websites.