Freedom of Information
Freedom of Information Act 2000
Any person may exercise the right to request any information they believe to be held by the Borough Council. Subject to certain exemptions, any person making a request for information must be informed within 20 working days whether the authority holds that information and, if so, that information must be supplied.
Requests for information must be made in writing, including email or fax, and must include a name and address for the Council to reply. We deal with individual requests for information courteously and promptly and provide advice and assistance if necessary.
If you wish to make a request for information, please complete the application form or email as below.
Detailed information about the right of public access to information
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives the public a general right of access to all types of 'recorded' information held by 'public authorities' (which includes local authorities). This is in addition to individuals' rights of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998, and other existing legislation which already secures public access rights to much information held by a local authority.
The general right of access under the Freedom of Information Act is subject to some exemptions and the Act places a number of obligations on public authorities. Subject to the exemptions, any person, who makes a request to a public authority for information, must be informed whether the public authority holds that information and, if so, that information must be supplied.
The Act is retrospective and information requests can be for information created before the Act came fully in to force in 2005. However, where any of the information comes within an exempt category either under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 or other relevant legislation, it will be published with the exempt material deleted.
The Borough Council is also required to prepare a Publication Scheme, details of which can be found on the link to the left.
Making a Complaint, Suggestion or Compliment
If you are not satisfied with the Council’s response to a request for information you may request a review by contacting legal@testvalley.gov.uk.
Advice and Assistance
If you need help to make a request for information you may contact the following:
Legal and Democratic Services
Telephone: 01264 368000
Email: foi@testvalley.gov.uk