Publication scheme

2.1 How to ask for information

You can ask us for a copy of any information we hold where an exemption does not apply. This applies to ALL information we hold.

Your request should made be in writing, giving a name and address and details of the information needed.

Submit a Freedom of Information request

2.2 How long will I have to wait for an answer?

By law, we must supply you with the information you have asked for within 20 working days of receiving your request. We will always try to meet your request as quickly as possible. Where we publish information in the scheme, we would expect to satisfy most requests for Scheme information within five working days. If we do not manage this we will write to you explaining why and telling you when we will get the information.

The only exception is where you have to pay for the information. Then the maximum response time is extended to three months from when we receive the money. If you do have to pay, our targets remain the same but we aim to provide you with the requested information in five days from when you pay us, instead of when we receive your request.

2.3 Charges for information

As a general principle, we will only charge for information listed in the Scheme where you ask for it for commercial benefit or where we are allowed to charge by law.

We aim to make information available free of charge wherever possible.

Chargeable publications will be listed in the publication scheme; other items in the publication scheme are available free of charge.

For material that is not listed on the publication scheme, charges may apply depending on the amount of work involved. We will normally make a minimal charge (approx 5p per sheet of A4) for photocopying and will also charge at cost price for computer disks, audio or videotape used.

We will not charge for information downloaded from our internet site.