Classes of Information

Who we are and what we do
Organisational information, locations and contacts, constitutional and legal governance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 the Authority, information will be provided on its website. Where it is impracticable to make information available on its website or when an individual does not wish to access the information by the website, the 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 the 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.

Charges which may be made for Information published under this scheme

The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public.  Charges made by the Authority for routinely published material will be justified and transparent and kept to a minimum.

Material which is published and accessed on the Authority website will be provided free of charge.

Charges may be made for information subject to a charging regime specified by Parliament.

Charges may be made for actual disbursements incurred such as:

1. photocopying
2. postage and packaging
3. the costs directly incurred as a result of viewing information

Charges may also be made for information provided under this scheme where they are legally authorised, they are in all the circumstances, including the general principals of the right of access to information held by public authorities, justified and are in accordance with a published schedule or schedule of fees which is readily available to the public.

If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided.  Payment may be requested prior to provision of the information.


Written Requests

Information held by the Authority that is not published under this scheme can be requested in writing, when its provision will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

Ver 1.00 January 2009