Freedom Of Information

Summary

Gives the general public access to recorded information held by the Council, subject to a number of exemptions.

Eligibility

Members of the public, companies, organisations.

Procedure

Check the Council's publication scheme on the Council's website first as the information may be already available if it is information the Council routinely publishes. If the information is not available through the Publication scheme, applications for information held by Council should be made in writing to the Council, stating the name of the applicant, an address for correspondence and a description of the information requested. Requests may be electronically transmitted. The Local Authority has to comply with the request within 20 working days.

Helplines

Andrew Frosdick Telephone 01226 773006

Craig Beesley Telephone X6741 or 01226 787741

Information Commissioner's Office Telephone: 01625 545 700

Charges/Fees

A charge may be made by the Council to cover the costs of disbursements such as photocopying and postage. However if the cost of supplying the information will exceed Òã450, the Council can refuse to supply the information unless the applicant is willing to pay for the actual costs of providing the information.

Method of Payments Available

Cheque made payable to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council or cash.

How the customer can help

By providing as much detail as possible in relation to the information requested to assist the Council in identifying it.

Legislation

Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Websites

The Publication Scheme.

Further information and guidance is available from the Information Commissioner's Office

Response Times/Next Steps

The Council must respond within 20 working days. This time limit will be suspended if payment of a fee is required from the applicant or the Council requires further information from the applicant in order to identify or locate the information.

Owner Office Contact Details

Alan Maher, Assistant Borough Secretary, Democratic Services.

Tel. No. 01226 773004

Related Links:

• Information Commissioner's Office
• Freedom of Information - The Council's Publication Scheme