What is Freedom of Information?
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) gives people a general right of access to information held by public authorities. Information held by public authorities should be available and accessible to everyone.
The act was introduced to help bring about a culture of openness within the public sector and give the public a better understanding of how authorities carry out their duties; why they make the decisions they do; and how they spend public money.
Every public authority has two main duties under the FOI act:
- To adopt and maintain a publication scheme, overseen by an independent Information Commissioner, which sets out:
– details of information it will routinely make available;
– how the information can be obtained;
– whether there is any charge for it.
Here is the list of information published on this website. - To comply with all requests for the information, unless there is an exemption from disclosure. The authority normally has a maximum of 20 working days to respond to the request; however there are circumstances when this time limit can be extended.
How do I make an FOI request?
If there is something you would like to know about the Council’s activities, take the following steps:
● Search the disclosure log below to see answers to previous requests for information – what you’re looking for might already be here
● If you can’t find the information you are seeking on the log, you can submit your request via email or via post at:
Clerk@halsallparish.gov.uk
or write to Parish Clerk, ℅ 36 Heathey Lane, Shirdley Hill, Halsall, L39 8SH
All requests must provide a valid email or postal address for us to reply to.
When you submit your request, give as much detail as possible to help us correctly identify the information you are seeking. If we do need more detail from you to identify the information, we will contact you.
Before you submit your request, we recommend that you read / visit the Information Commissioner’s Office website.
How long does it take?
We will have 20 working days to respond. We will advise you if we are likely to need to extend the time.
Exceptions and exemptions
There are legal reasons why information may not be released to you. These are known as exemptions. If we do not release information to you because an exemption applies we will explain why.
Requests under FOI may be refused because:
● it is personal information (names, address etc) protected by data protection
legislation
● it is already available, published on our website, under the publication scheme
● it might be considered prejudicial to the effective conduct of public affairs.
● the Council can choose to charge for reasonable costs (disbursements) like printing, postage and employee time but will usually provide the information free of charge. However requests can be refused in the cost will exceed the current FOI cost limit (currently £450)
Disclosure Logs
