Freedom of Information.

The Information Commissioner has produced a  Generic Freedom of Information scheme for  the use of Parish Councils.  This generic scheme has been used here.

 There are 7 classes of information to be published. 

Classes of Information
1. Who we are and what we do.
Organisational information, locations and contacts, constitutional and legal governance.

2. What we spend and how we spend it.
Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, tendering, procurement and contracts.

3. What our priorities are and how we are doing.
Strategy and performance information, plans, assessments, inspections and reviews.

4. How we make decisions.
Policy proposals and decisions. Decision making processes, internal criteria and procedures, consultations

5. Our policies and procedures.
Current written protocols for delivering our functions and responsibilities.

6. Lists and Registers.
Information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority.

7. The Services we Offer.
Advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, transactions and media releases. A description of the services offered.

The cost of having any information supplied to you will be found in the publication scheme.

The classes of information will not generally include:
• Information the disclosure of which is prevented by law, or exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, or is otherwise properly considered to be protected from disclosure.

• Information in draft form.

• Information that is no longer readily available as it is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is difficult to access for similar reasons.

The method by which information published under this scheme will be made available
The authority will indicate clearly to the public what information is covered by this scheme and how it can be obtained.

Where it is within the capability of a public authority, information will be provided on a website. Where it is impracticable to make information available on a website or when an individual does not wish to access the information by the website, a public authority will indicate how information can be obtained by other means and provide it by those means.

In exceptional circumstances some information may be available only by viewing in person. Where this manner is specified, contact details will be provided. An appointment to view the information will be arranged within a reasonable timescale.

Information will be provided in the language in which it is held or in such other language that is legally required. Where an authority is legally required to translate any information, it will do so.

Obligations under disability and discrimination legislation and any other legislation to provide information in other forms and formats will be adhered to when providing information in accordance with this scheme.

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09/02/2010