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Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 extends people’s rights to access any information held by public authorities. A 'public authority' is defined in the Act, and includes local government, central and non-departmental public bodies, the police, the health service, schools, colleges and universities. Any person who makes a request in writing to a public authority for information must be informed whether the public authority holds that information, and subject to exemptions, must be supplied with that information within 20 working days.

The Freedom of Information Act requires each public authority to adopt the model Publication Scheme and produce a guide. This sets out what information will be made available to the public, how the public can access that information and whether the information will be available free of charge or on payment. The aim of our Publication Scheme Guide is to enable you to have fast and easy access via our web site to the information you require. If you cannot find the information you are looking for via the guide, please use the information request below.

Making your freedom of information request

When requesting information under the Freedom of Information Act you must include the following details:

  • Your full name and address;
  • The information or documents you would like to access;
  • The preferred method of communication with us (letter or email).

It would be helpful to include a telephone contact number in case we need to clarify your information needs, and any accessibility requirements.

Online

Freedom of information request - online form - the most secure method is to use our online form.

Alternative request for information forms

Two version are available

Email

Please email your completed request to: foi@warwickshire.gov.uk. Please note that your personal details and information supplied may not be secure in transit using email, until received by Warwickshire County Council. If you are concerned, we suggest using the secure online form above.

Post

Complete one of the forms below or write describing your requriements to:

Freedom of Information Officer
Warwickshire County Council
PO Box 9
Shire Hall
Warwick
CV34 4RR

What happens if I am not satisfied with the service I receive?

Our policy is to be as open as possible and supply the information you have requested, but we may withhold information if we consider the information falls within one of the exemptions or would involve significant staff time in locating and preparing the information for release.

If we refuse to supply all or part of any other information you have asked for, we will write to you giving our reasons for refusal. If you are not satisfied with the reasons or the manner in which your request was dealt with you have the right to request that the County Council carry out an internal review of the matter.

All requests for an internal review should be made in writing and the matter will be dealt with under the County Council's internal review procedure, as follows:

  • The matter will be dealt with on behalf of the Monitoring Officer by a senior officer with appropriate knowledge and experience. Ordinarily this will be the Deputy Monitoring Officer, the Corporate Legal Services Manager or a member of their team as nominated by them.
  • The internal review procedure is a single stage review process which in most cases will be completed within no more than 20 working days from the date of the request.
  • In some circumstances the review may take longer (e.g. if the matter is complex) however it should take no longer than 40 working days from the date of the request.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may also appeal to the Information Commissioner if you feel we have not complied with our obligations. Your rights are explained on the Information Commissioner's publication, 'How To Complain'.

How to Complain (pdf, 144Kb)

You may contact the Information Commissioner at the address below:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF