Procedure for Making Requests
- How do I request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000?
- How much detail do I need to give about what I am asking for?
- What if I need help in formulating my request?
- How soon will the Council respond?
- What format will be used to communicate the information to me?
- Will I have to pay for the information?
- Am I entitled to receive all types of information held by the Council?
- How can I make a complaint?
How do I request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000?
A request can be made for any information held by Bracknell Forest Borough Council which is not routinely published.
The Council already publishes a large amount of information. To help you find it, our Publication Scheme sets out the classes of information and documents that are readily available. The Scheme is available on the Council’s web site, so you may find that what you are looking for has already been published or is available on request.
Please note that if your request is for personal information about yourself, you should read the Council’s leaflet "Personal Information, Your Right to Know". This is also available in reception areas of all council buildings and public libraries or by phoning the Customer Service Centre on 01344 352000
If you can’t find the information you require, you will be able to make a request in writing. You can do this in one of the following ways:
- Email the Information Compliance Officer at edwina.withe@bracknell-forest.gov.uk, or
- Complete the online freedom of information request form
How much detail do I need to give about what I am asking for?
Give as much detail as you can. If the Council is not clear about what you are asking for and your request lacks detail there may be a delay in dealing with it.
Describe as clearly as possible the information you require; identify material such as the period of time you wish to know about and any related documents such as press releases, etc.
Providing as much detail as possible will ensure that your enquiry is dealt with promptly. Don’t forget to include your name, address, day time telephone number or an email address. This will help us to contact you quickly if we need further information about your request.
What if I need help in formulating my request?
The Council’s Information Compliance Officer will be able to help you. You can contact her by email at edwina.withe@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or telephone 01344 353071.
How soon will the Council respond?
The Council will respond to requests within 20 working days of receipt of your application.
What format will be used to communicate the information to me?
The first point to note is that the Freedom of Information Act gives you a right to receive information and not a right to receive documents.
However, you may express a preference for one or more of the following options:
- A copy of the information in a permanent form, or another form acceptable to you;
- A reasonable opportunity to inspect a record containing the information
- A summary of the information in a permanent form or another form acceptable to you
The Council will comply with your preference as far as is reasonably practicable.
Please note that you may choose one or more of the above options, so you could ask both to receive information in a permanent form and to inspect the relevant records yourself.
Will I have to pay for the information?
The Council will not charge for the inspection of documents or for viewing information. However, where a significant amount of photocopying is required a charge may be made. If a fee is required, you will be informed and you will need to pay in advance.
Am I entitled to receive all types of information held by the Council?
The Freedom of Information Act sets out a series of exemptions to protect confidential or other information where disclosure may not be in the public interest. Where the Council decides to withhold information, you will be given the reasons.
If you are dissatisfied with the Council’s response to a Freedom of Information request, you should use the Council’s Corporate Complaints procedure.
Complaints that information which should have been provided and was not provided, should be made to the Council's Information Compliance Officer in the first instance and sent to the following address:
Bracknell Forest Borough Council
Corporate Services – Legal
Easthampstead House
Town Square
Bracknell
RG12 1AQ
Tel: 01344 353071
Fax: 01344 352236
Email: edwina.withe@brackell-forest.gov.uk
If after using the Council’s Corporate Complaints procedure you are still dissatisfied, you can seek an independent review from the Information Commissioner.
Requests for a review by the Information Commissioner should be made in writing directly to:
The Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF
Tel: 01625 545700
Fax: 01625 545510
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