Introduction The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) is one of several pieces of legislation that gives the public a general right of access to information held by the council.
The Freedom of Information Act gives a right of access to all types of information held by the council.
The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 give the public a right of access to environmental information held.
Individuals have a right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998.
The Act received Royal Assent on November 30 2000 and
- Gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities
- Sets out exemptions from that right
- Places a number of obligations on Southwark Council
We at Southwark conduct our business in an open and honest fashion; it is important that the public is told how decisions have been made.
The provisions of the Freedom of Information Act will enable the public to better understand the Council and how it works through improved access to information.
Southwark makes information available to the public in two ways
- Via the Southwark Publication Scheme
The purpose of the Publication Scheme is to provide a list of information that we routinely make available to the public, without the need for a specific request.
- By Responding to FOI Requests
You can make a request for information to Southwark Council and will have the right to be informed in writing if the council holds the information requested. If the information is held, and is not covered by any of the Act’s exemptions, you will have the right to be supplied with that information. Your request must be answered within 20 working days.
More information
Freedom of Information Act
Data Protection Act
Environmental Information Regulations
For more information please contact the Corporate Records Manager accessinfo@southwark.gov.uk
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