Disclosing personal information to other public organisations

Another public sector organisations can request personal data from the council. The list of eligible organisations can be found in Schedule 7 of Data Protection Act 2018. 

While we may be able to release the information, this does not mean we will. The Act says we must assess the request and decide whether to apply the exemption that allows us to disclose it.

The full list of exemptions can be found in the Data Protection Act 2018. A partial list can be found at Information Commissioner: exemptions. 

Before we disclose any information, we must consider the ICO's guidance. 

We do not have to disclose information. Even in cases where the exemptions apply, we might not disclose it. If we have concerns about releasing any personal information (for example, the information is confidential), we may ask for a court order before we release it. 

When we send it, the receiver becomes the data controller. They must follow the data protection legislation. 

How we process your disclosure request

We will look at your request to make sure it falls within the scope of the law. We will consider whether the request is proportionate. So that the information being requested fits the reason it is being requested.  

We do not have a statutory time limit to respond. We will try to respond within 30 days.

Annex C requests

If you are asking for information to support an investigation into alledged current/historical, sexual/physical child abuse (a Schedule/Annex C request), email piirequests@durham.gov.uk.

Complete a disclosure request form

Information to help you complete the form

• If you have your own form, you can use it by uploading it via our "upload files link".
• If you don't have your own form, then complete each section as follows:
  • Details of Information Requested: We need you to give us the names, dates of birth and address of the person(s) you want us to consider for disclosure. Provide as much detail as you can so we can find the correct person(s).
  • Investigation: We need you to explain what investigation would be harmed if we did not provide your information. For example, if you are pursuing a flytipper, then you need their contact details to issue them a fine. Or, if you believe someone has committed benefit fraud, then you would need a copy of their benefits statements otherwise you cannot act. You do not need to go into any detail that would undermine the investigation just enough for us to understand why you need the information. Please note that simply saying "prevent a crime" or "investigation of a crime" is not enough.
• We need you to indicate either on your own form or upload as an additional file something that shows your request is authorised or countersigned by someone who is more senior than you such as your direct manager. We have to ensure that requests are authorised by your organisation not simply in your own interest.
• If you are using this as a 215 form, defending legal rights or legal proceedings we will need evidence that legal proceedings are occurring either a court docket reference number or a letter from a solicitor explaining what legal rights or proceedings the information is needed for as it cannot proceed without it.