Complain or appeal about access to information

If you have asked for information and have been refused some or all of it, you should have been told why. If you disagree with our reasoning and the decision not to release information you can appeal.

If you have asked for information and have been refused some or all of it, you should have been told why. If you disagree with our reasoning and the decision not to release information you can appeal.

This applies to all requests for information made under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) or Data Protection legislation.

What are FOIA, EIR and Data Protection?

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) gives people a general right of access to recorded information held by or on behalf of public authorities. The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) give similar rights of access but specifically to information relating to, or affecting, the environment.

Data Protection legislation sets out how we use your personal information. It also gives you certain rights, including the right to access the personal information we hold about you.

How to complain

Contact the Corporate Information Governance Manager:

If you are not happy with the outcome of your complaint, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for a decision. Generally the ICO will not make a decision until you have exhausted the complaints procedure provided by the Council.