Freedom of information:

All information covered by our publication scheme is set out in Section 13, which describes the classes of information which are published by the Authority.

All information covered by our publication scheme can either be accessed through our website, or will be provided promptly following receipt of your request. However, sometimes we may not be able to provide certain information which is described in the scheme.

The Authority’s aim is to be as open as possible with the information it holds. However, FOISA allows for some information to be withheld if it falls under one of a limited number of exemptions, set out in the Act. These exemptions include:

• that disclosure may substantially prejudice law enforcement, legal proceedings or regulatory or enforcement activity;
• that the disclosure could endanger the physical or mental health or the safety of an individual;
• that the information could substantially prejudice the commercial interests or confidentiality of any person or organisation;
• that the information is personal information under the Data Protection act 1998;
• that the disclosure is otherwise prohibited by law

Information will only be withheld, however, where FOISA (or, in the case of environmental information, the EIRs) expressly permit it. In these cases, we will withhold the information and indicate why the information is being withheld. Where this occurs, exempt material may be redacted or ‘blanked out’ or the whole document may be subject to exemption.

If you wish to complain about information which is being withheld from you, please read the “complaints” section below.