Article: Freedom of information Article Body Access to information held by public bodies The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives the general public access to recorded information held by public bodies (in this case by Barnsley Council) subject to a number of exemptions on disclosure. There are two ways of obtaining information - via the council's Publication Scheme or by individual direct requests which may necessitate a search of information we hold. The Publication Scheme is based on the Information Commissioner's model scheme and is designed to identify and list the information we hold that we feel you may be interested in. Hyperlinks take you to information currently availble via our web site. Otherwise please follow the contact details stated. Alternatively, if the information you desire cannot be identified from the Publication Scheme, applicants may make a direct request for an information search to be carried out. Whilst the applicant's own written request is acceptable (email included) the council's application form provides guidance on what detail the council will require to successfully process an information request. Please download, complete and return the council's Application for Information form. This form covers information requested under Freedom of Information, Data Protection and Environmental Regulations. Following information on this web page relates only to a Freedom of Information request. For guidance on a Data protection request please see the Data Protection web page. The form is in .pdf format so will require printing, completing by hand and then submitting by email, fax, post or hand delivery. Forms should be returned as advised on the application form or handed it in at any of our Barnsley Connects offices. We will acknowledge receipt of your request for information within five days of us receiving it. We will either confirm it as a valid request, ask you for further information, or reject it but explain why. We will provide you with details of the searches we have made within 20 working days of us receiving the valid request. A charge may be made for the request to cover additional costs to the council such as photocopying and postage, although we try to avoid making these charges. If a fee is charged it must be paid before any information is searched for. Please note that the fee is for the search operation, not for the production of information, as the search may show that we do not hold the information requested. Payment can be made by cash or cheque (made payable to 'Barnsley MBC'). You will be advised if any payment is required before your request is progressed. If the cost to the council of searching for the information will exceed £450 the council can refuse to process the request unless the applicant wishes to reduce the size of the request or is willing to pay for the full costs of the search. The Freedom of Information contact officer dealing with your request will offer advice and assistance on this. If you need any advice or assistance in completing and submitting a request please contact the Information Governance Team on 01226 787741. Further Information You may find some more useful information here .... Information Commissioner's Office