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?
EIR 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.