Background
The Freedom of Information Act requires public authorities to
adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme. The Publication Scheme
should provide a structured list of the types of information that a
public authority makes available and should explain how they are
accessible. The Publication Scheme should also state the format in
which the document is available and whether or not it will be
provided at a charge.
The Council's original Publication Scheme was approved by the
Information Commissioner in August 2005. The Council adopted a
revised Scheme in line with guidance from the Information
Commissioner, in December 2008.
Publication Scheme
This Publication Scheme commits the Council to making
information publicly available as part of its regular business
activities. The information covered by the scheme is detailed in
the classes of information outlined below. More information on
these classes is available from the Information Commissioner's
office.
The scheme commits the Council to:
- Proactively and routinely publishing information, including
environmental information, which falls in to the classes of
information listed below.
- Publishing the methods by which the information falling within
this scheme is made available, so that members of the public can
identify and access it easily.
- Publishing any charges made for access to the information which
falls within this scheme.
- Reviewing and updating, on a regular basis, the information
held by the authority which falls within this scheme.
- Making this scheme available to the public.
The Publication Scheme does not cover:
- Information which is not held by the Council.
- Information whose disclosure is prevented by law, or exempt
from disclosure under Access to Information legislation, including
but not limited to the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
- Information in draft form.
Classes of Information
Who we are and what we do
Organisational information, structures, locations and
contacts
What we spend and how we spend it
Financial information relating to projected and actual income
and expenditure, procurement, contracts and financial audit
What our priorities are and how we are
doing
Strategies and plans, performance indicators,
audits, inspections and reviews
How we make decisions
Decision making processes and records of decisions
Our policies and procedures
Current written protocols, our policies and procedures for
delivering our services and responsibilities
Lists and registers
Current information held in registers required by law and other
lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority
Services provided by the Council
Information about the services the Council provides including
leaflets, guidance and newsletters
Format of information
The Council will, where possible, make the information covered
by this scheme available on its website. Where it is impracticable
to make information available on the website or where an individual
wishes to access the information in another format, the Council
will make the information available by other means.
Where information is available only by inspection in person, the
Council will provide contact details so that appointments may be
made, within a reasonable timescale, to view the information.
Information will be provided in the language in which it is
held, or in such other language that is legally required. The
Council will ensure that information will be accessible with
specific provision meeting individual needs where appropriate, in
line with its Corporate Equality Commitment.
The Council's obligations under disability and discrimination
legislation, and any other legislation which requires information
to be provided in alternative formats will be observed when
providing information under this scheme.
Charging
The Council is committed to making as much information available
as possible, at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public. Any
charges made by the Council for information falling within this
scheme will be justified, transparent and kept to a minimum.
There will be no charge for information which is published and
accessible via the Council website.
Charges may be made for disbursements including:
- photocopying
- printing
- postage and packaging
Charges may also be made for information provided under this
scheme where they are justified and are in accordance with a
published schedule of fees which is readily available to the
public.
Where a charge is made, payment in full will be required before
the provision of the information.
Access to information not available under the Publication
Scheme
Information held by the Council which does not fall within this
scheme may be requested in writing, and will be considered in line
with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Requests should be made to:
The Information Compliance Manager
1 High St, Guildhall, Bath BA1 5AW
Email: information_governance@bathnes.gov.uk
