Freedom of Information publication scheme
This publication scheme has been prepared and approved by the Information Commissioner. It may be adopted without modification by us without further approval and will be valid until further notice.
The scheme commits us to make information available to you as part of our normal business activities. The information covered in the scheme is listed here, if we hold it. Additional assistance is provided in guidance materials from by the Information Commissioner.
The scheme commits us to:
- proactively publish or make available, information, including environmental information, which is held by us and falls within the classifications on this page
- specify the information which is held by us and falls within the classifications
- proactively publish or make available as a matter of routine, information in line with the statements contained within this scheme
- produce and publish the methods by which the specific information is made routinely available so that it can be easily identified and accessed by you
- review and update this information on a regular basis
- proactively produce a list of charges for access to the information
- make this publication scheme available to you
Our publication scheme is split into seven classes of information that cover the areas where we publish information. In developing our scheme we have followed the model scheme required by the Information Commissioner's Office. We hope that you find the scheme useful. If you have any suggestion on how it can be improved please contact us.
Classes of information
| Topic | Description | List of services |
|---|---|---|
| Who we are and what we do | Our organisation such as structures, where our services are located and the contacts for the various sites and services we provide. | Who we are and what we do (PDF) [81KB] |
| What we spend and how we spend it | Financial information covering projected and actual income and expenditure, tendering, procurement, contracts and financial audit. | What we spend (PDF) [99KB] |
| What our priorities are and how we are doing | Strategies and plans, performance indicators, audits, inspections and reviews of service. | Our priorities (PDF) [94KB] |
| How we make decisions | Our decision making process and the records of our consultations and decisions. | Decision making (PDF) [111KB] |
| Our policies and procedures | Current written protocols as well as our policies and procedures for delivering our services and responsibilities. | DCC Publication Scheme - Our Policies and Procedures (PDF) [80KB] |
| Lists and registers | Our list of information held in public registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority. | Lists and registers (PDF) [91KB] |
| The services we offer | Information on the services we provide, advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, transactions and media releases. | Council services (PDF) [102KB] |
What isn't included
The classes of information will not generally include information:
- the disclosure of which is prevented by law, or exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, or is otherwise properly considered to be protected from disclosure
- in draft form
- that is no longer readily available as it is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is difficult to access for similar reasons
How the information will be made available
We will indicate clearly to the public what information is covered by this scheme and how it can be obtained.
Where it is within the capability of a public authority, information will be provided on a website. Where it is impracticable to make information available on a website or when an individual does not wish to access the information by the website, a public authority will indicate how information can be obtained by other means and provide it by those means.
In exceptional circumstances some information may be available only by viewing in person. Where this manner is specified, contact details will be provided. An appointment to view the information will be arranged within a reasonable timescale.
Information will be provided in the language in which it is held or in such other language that is legally required. Where an authority is legally required to translate any information, it will do so.
Obligations under disability and discrimination legislation and any other legislation to provide information in other forms and formats will be adhered to when providing information in accordance with this scheme.
Charges which may be made for information published under this scheme
The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public. Charges made by the authority for routinely published material will be justified and transparent and kept to a minimum.
Material which is published and accessed on a website will be provided free of charge.
Charges may be made for information subject to a charging regime specified by Parliament.
Charges may be made for actual disbursements incurred such as:
- photocopying
- postage and packaging
- the costs directly incurred as a result of viewing information.
Charges may also be made for information provided under this scheme where they are legally authorised, they are in all the circumstances, including the general principles of the right of access to information held by public authorities, justified and are in accordance with a published schedule or schedules of fees which is readily available to the public.
If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided. Payment may be requested prior to provision of the information.
Written requests
Information held by us that is not published under this scheme can be requested in writing, when its provision will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. See our Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulation page for how to do this.
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