The Environmental Information Regulations 2004
Introduction
The Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) came into force
in 2005 alongside the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
These regulations cover information about the environment held
by public authorities as well as bodies who provide services or
carry out functions in relation to the environment.
Requesting Information
What environmental information can I request?
Anyone can ask for any information that Cheshire East Council
holds in relation to the environment. You can write to us, by
letter to
Freedom of Information
Cheshire East Council
Westfields
Middlewich Road
Sandbach
Cheshire
CW11 1HZ
by email to foi@cheshireeast.gov.uk . If
you need help contact us and we will be happy to assist.
Is there anything I can't have?
Environmental Information Regulations gives the rights of access
to information; however, in some instances we can withhold that
information if an exception applies. Some examples of exceptions
are:
- Information is not held (though we would refer the request on
if it is held elsewhere)
- The request is manifestly unreasonable
- The request is too general (though we would advise and assist
you to clarify your request)
- The request is for unfinished documents or data (though we
would then estimate a time when it will be complete)
- Confidentaility of proceedings
- Personal data
- Environmental Protection
Where an exception applies we are required to undertake a Public
Interest Test in which we must consider whether the public interest
in maintaining the exception outweighs the public interest in
disclosing it.
If we need to withhold any information we will contact you and
explain our reasons.
