Data Protection Act - Subject Access Procedure

Summary

Every individual has the basic right to know what personal information is held about them, although there are some exemptions to this basic rule. You can obtain detailed guidance about applying for access to your information and how we will deal with that request by clicking on the links in the File Attachments section on the right-hand side of the page.

Procedure

To apply for access to your personal information - or that of another individual IF YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DO SO - you will need to submit a application in writing. To ensure that all relevant information supporting your request is supplied it is recommended that you complete an application form. You can do this by downloading and returning the application form which appears in the File Attachment section on the right-hand side of the page. If you wish, you can call into a Barnsley Connects office and submit your request in person. You can find out where your nearest Barnsley Connects office is by clicking on the link on the right-hand side of the page.

Helplines

If you need any further assistance, please contact an appropriate departmental officer. The list of officers can be viewed by clicking on the link on the right-hand side of the page.If in doubt as to which departmental officer you should contact then any listed officer will forward your request to the appropriate department - which will then process your request.

Charges/Fees

BMBC reserves the right to charge the maximum standard fee of £10.00 for the application, which must be paid before any information is disclosed. However, acting in the spirit of the Data Protection Act, this fee is not normally charged.

Method of Payment Available

Currently, payment by cash or cheque (which should be made payable to 'Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council') is acceptable. The officer dealing with your application will advise if any payment is required before information is disclosed.

Locations/Opening Times

You can submit your application for access to information at any of the Barnsley Connects offices. For details of where you can find your local office, please click on the link in the File Attachments section on the right-hand side of the page.

If you prefer, you can email or write to us to lodge an application or to request an application form.

Data Protection Co-ordinator
Beevor Court 2
Pontefract Road
Barnsley
S71 1HG

You can also call us on one of the helpline numbers given above.

How the Customer can help

A Subject Access Request (SAR) must be in writing. It cannot be accepted otherwise. It must clearly state the details of the Data Subject and the Applicant (if different).

Where an applicant is acting on behalf of another individual then the applicant must be able to show authority to do so, for example, a letter of authority from the individual whose details are being requested.

E-mails are accepted as being in writing.

Accurate and full details regarding the application are essential. Clearly identifying any specific information sought - rather than just 'everything' - will enable your application to be processed as quickly as possible.

Information about the Data Subject (such as past BMBC references, Council Tax reference number and so on) will also greatly assist the search for information.

Legislation

Data Protection Act 1998.

Websites

You may find some more useful information by clicking on the link to the Information Commissioner's office - and then selecting the Data Protection option.

Response Times/Next Steps

We will acknowledge receipt of your request for information within 5 days of us receiving it. We will either confirm it's acceptance as a valid request or ask you for further information to clarify any part of the request. We will provide you with details of the searches we have made within 40 calendar days of us receiving the accepted request.

Owner/Officer Contact Details

Craig Beesley
Telephone x6741 or 01226 787741

craigbeesley@barnsley.gov.uk

Related Links:

• Information Commissioner's Office