Reed Parish Council

Publication scheme and

Freedom of Information

Statement

Revised May 2021 Reviewed 1 March 2023 Download printable version (opens as pdf file)

Parish Council information

The Parish Council makes information available in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the statutory requirements set out in the Government’s Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives the public a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities (which includes local authorities such as the parish council, the district council, and the county council). This is in addition to individuals’ rights of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998, and other existing legislation which already secures public access rights to much information held by a local authority

The Council’s Approach

The council strives to be accountable to the electorate and wishes to be as open and transparent as possible in all its dealings. The council welcomes public interest and involvement in the local government of the community. The formal provisions of the Freedom of Information Act should not inhibit anyone from raising informally any matters of concern with members of the council or the Clerk. This council has a adopted a Publication Scheme (below) based on a model provided by the Information Commissioner’s Office. It shows what types of information are available as a matter of course, what format they are provided in, and any charges which may be incurred in obtaining the information. The council will review the scheme from time to time to ensure that it continues to meet as a minimum the statutory requirements, as well as the specific needs of the council and the community in Reed. Where practicable, the council will make information available on the parish web site at no charge. For other forms of information provision, any charges will be justifiable, clear and kept to a minimum, and limited to only as much as is needed to cover the costs of time and materials involved in administration of the request and in providing the information.

Requests for Information

Requests for information should be made in writing to the Parish Clerk, who will respond within 20 working days of receipt of the request. Requests may be handed in at parish council meetings or posted to the Clerk at: The Clerk Reed Parish Council 1, High Street, Barkway, SG8 8EA. The Clerk is the officer responsible for the council’s compliance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. The council publishes information in English. Requests for information in transcript in another language, or in any manner other than standard printed form and size will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and may require additional time to respond and may incur additional cost.

Complaints

Complaints about the Council’s response to requests for information should also be directed to the Clerk at the above address. The opportunity to complain to the Council does not place any limitation on the right of any individual to refer a complaint to the Information Commissioner using the methods set out on the Commissioner’s web site https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/ or telephone: 0303 123 1113.

Costs

1. Request

Each request for information which involves copying or inspection incurs an administration charge of £5.00. Additional charges may be made according to the way in which the request is fulfilled.

2. Copying

A4 photocopying is charged at 10p per sheet.

3. Inspection

Each inspection which takes place outside a normal parish council meeting is charged according to the time taken by the enquirer, measured in units of 30 minutes, at a rate of £5.00 per unit, with a minimum of one unit.

4. Despatch

Documents sent by post will incur a charge to cover the costs of packing and postage. The charge will be dependent on the volume of documents involved, the class of postage requested, and the destination.