Re-Use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005

The Regulations implement an EU directive that encourages the re-use of public information for purposes other than its original purpose. The aim is to stimulate the European information industry and enable companies to use such information for commercial purposes.

Summary of the Regulations

The Regulations do not require public bodies to make their information available for re-use and do not oblige them to create, adapt or continue to produce certain documents so that others may re-use them.

They do however, set out the following rules that public bodies must follow if they allow information to be re-used.

1. publish a list of the main documents which can be re-used
2. publish any standard conditions (licence) associated with re-use
3. publish any standard charges associated with re-use
4. operate a request procedure
5. operate a complaints/appeals procedure.

The Regulations apply to any recorded information, including whole documents or parts of documents.

There are some exemptions to the regulations, e.g. Educational or cultural establishments; intellectual property that rests with a third party; information that is exempt under Freedom of Information, Data Protection and other legislation.

Anchor Point:documentsList of Main Documents

Please refer to the Councils Publication Scheme

Anchor Point:licenceStandard Licence

The Licence (see below) lists the standard terms of re-use. Please note that the licence terms and conditions may vary where the information requested has commercial value.

Anchor Point:chargesCharges

Any charges made will not exceed the cost of collection, production, reproduction and dissemination of the information and possibly a reasonable return on investment.

Any fee charged under access legislation (such as Freedom of Information) will be offset against any for re-use.

Anchor Point:requestHow to make a request

The application form is attached below.

• Requests must :
  • be in writing
  • state their name
  • include an address for correspondence
  • specify the document/information which they want to re-use
  • state the purpose for which the document is to be re-used

In every instance, requests should be sent to:-

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Corporate Information Governance Manager
PO Box 18
Council House
Solihull
West Midlands
B91 9QS

Email: infogov@solihull.gov.uk

Anchor Point:complaintsComplaints/Appeals

If you are unhappy with the way your request has been dealt with you may complain using the Councils Corporate Complaints procedure.