Freedom of Information - Publication Scheme

The Information Commissioner has issued a ‘Model Publication Scheme’ and from 1 January 2009 Test Valley Borough Council has adopted the ‘Model Scheme’.

In implementing the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Test Valley Borough Council promotes an understanding of the work undertaken within the Council to foster a spirit of trust with the public and other organisations. We achieve this by promoting transparency in the way we make our decisions and by providing clear information about our policies and processes through our publication scheme.

What is a Publication Scheme?
The Act places an obligation on a public authority to adopt and maintain a publication scheme, which must be approved by the Information Commissioner. Essentially, a publication scheme is:

  • A commitment on the part of the Council to make information available routinely, without waiting for someone specifically to request it.
  • A guide to information we publish, or intend to publish, routinely - not limited to that which is in printed form, but including that held in other ways, for example in electronic form.
  • A means of enabling the public to understand better what is available to them, and how they may have access to the information they seek.

The scheme commits Test Valley Borough Council to:

  • proactively publish or otherwise make available as a matter of routine information, including environmental information, which is held by the authority and falls within the classifications below.
  • specify the information which is held by the authority and falls within the classifications below.
  • proactively publish or otherwise make available as a matter of routine, information in line with the statements contained within this scheme.
  • produce and publish the methods by which the specific information is made routinely available so that it can be easily identified and accessed by members of the public.
  • review and update on a regular basis the information the authority makes available under this scheme.
  • produce a schedule of any fees charged for access to information which is made proactively available.
  • make this publication scheme available to the public.

The information covered is included in the classes of information mentioned below, where this information is held by the authority. Additional assistance is provided to the definition of these classes in sector specific guidance manuals issued by the Information Commissioner.

  • Who we are and what we do
  • What we spend and how we spend it
  • What our priorities are and how are we doing
  • How we make decisions
  • Our policies and procedures
  • Lists and Registers
  • Services provided by the Council.

Other information is included in the Scheme, which you may also find helpful.

Requesting Additional Information not Covered by this Scheme
The Council includes as much information in the Publication Scheme as it can however, if you cannot find what you are looking for you can make a request for the information.

Charges for Information
Material which is published and accessed on the website can be downloaded free of charge. Some information may only be available in hard copy and some information will only be available for inspection. Charges may be made for information subject to a legal charging regime. Charges under the publication scheme may be made for actual disbursements such as printing, photocopying and postage. Any charges will be in accordance with the Council’s policy.

Reviewing and Maintaining the Scheme
This Publication Scheme will be reviewed in accordance with such guidance as is produced by the Information Commissioner and in accordance with Section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Copyright
Reproducing material supplied under this Publication Scheme without the express permission of the Council may be an infringement of copyright. Requests for permission should be addressed to the Communications Manager. Telephone 01264 368000 or e-mail: communications@testvalley.gov.uk.

The Publication Scheme is downloadable from this website in PDF format. Hard copies of the Publication Scheme (including a large print version) are obtainable from the Council, by emailing: legal@testvalley.gov.uk, or by writing to, visiting, or phoning the Council's offices:
Andover - Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover, SP10 3AJ tel 01264 368000
Romsey - Former Magistrates' Court, Church Street, Romsey, SO51 8AQ tel: 01794 527700

For information concerning the scheme or if you wish to make a request for other information you can contact the following:
Legal and Democratic Services
Telephone: 01264 368000
Email: foi@testvalley.gov.uk