What is the Freedom of Information Act 2000
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 people have a right of access to information held by the Council and other public authorities. This helps to promote openness, transparency and confidence in dealings with the Council. On a daily basis the Council answers many requests for information, the Act, however, allows further access to information that might not currently be available to the general public. However, there are certain exemptions to this.
This should lead to a better understanding about:
• how public authorities carry out their duties
• why they make the decisions they do
• how they spend public money
The Freedom of Information Act means we have to be more open in our dealings with the public. The right of the public to access information means that if we receive a request we must do the following:
a) State whether or not we hold the information requested.
b) Release the information.
People have a right to any information that is not covered by an exemption even if that information was recorded before the act became law.
How to make a request for information
Anyone can ask for information they believe is held by the Council. The Council must acknowledge and respond to the request within 20 working days.
If you would like to ask for a copy of information then the request must be made in writing and sent to:
Freedom of Information Officer
Doncaster Council
PO Box 251
The Council House
College Road
Doncaster
DN1 3DA
Fax Number
01302 737510
E-mail Address
foi@doncaster.gov.uk
Appeals
If the requester is not satisfied with the Council’s response to there request for information then they should put their appeal in writing and send it to:
Freedom of Information Manager
Doncaster Council
Council House
College Road
Doncaster
DN1 3DA
Fax Number: 01302 737510
E-mail:FOIappeals@doncaster.gov.uk
If the requester is still not satisfied by the Council’s response, they can appeal to the Information Commissioner’s office at:
Information Commissioner's Office in Wilmslow, England
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
fax: 01625 524 510
DX 20819
E-mail: mail@ico.gsi.gov.uk
