The Freedom of Information Act

Requesting Information           

Introduction

The Freedom of Information Act (FOI) entitles you to ask us for any recorded information which we keep.

As an organisation we are committed to being open and honest. We welcome such requests and will only withhold the requested information if there is very good reason to do so.

How can I apply for information?

The Freedom of Information Act says that any request for information must fulfil the following criteria:

The request must be in writing – either by post to:

Freedom of Information
Cheshire East Council
Westfields
Middlewich Road
Sandbach
Cheshire
CW11 1HZ

Fax: 01270 529889

Email: at foi@cheshireeast.gov.uk .

If you need assistance in preparing your letter our staff  will be happy to help.   

You do not need to say why you want the information but you will need to provide details about what is being requested. This should be as clear as possible to help us locate the information you require.

There must be a name and address to send our response to. This can be an e-mail address but if you require paper copies we will need a postal address.

There is no need to mention the Freedom of Information Act 2000, however, doing so will assist in ensuring your request is dealt with correctly.

What information can I request?

The Council produces a Publication Scheme which sets out what type of information is routinely published and how you are able to get hold of that information and whether or not you will have to pay for it. It includes information contained in printed form, such as brochures and leaflets, information which can be inspected by visiting the Council offices and information which is available on the council's website. Often there will be a link to the information from the online copy of the Publication scheme so you can view it directly by clicking on the link. If you don't have a computer, it is available for use in the libraries or in the Council's One-Stop-Shops. Similarly, published information can be downloaded and printed off for you by a member of staff.

Please remember that some information may be subject to copyright, so if you wish to make multiple copies or publish it in any way, you will need to let us know.

What if I’m not happy with the Council’s response?

If you are unhappy with the FOI response you have received from us, you can lodge your complaint by writing to:

Freedom of Information
Cheshire East Council
Westfields
Middlewich Road
Cheshire
CW11 1HZ

Email: foi@cheshireeast.gov.uk

The request will then be examined again by a senior officer who has had no part in dealing with your initial request.

This needs to be done within 20 days of your initial response

If the complaint is not upheld and you are still not satisfied, you can approach the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and request that he reviews the decision. The address to contact is:

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

Tel: 0303 123 1113 (9am - 5pm Monday to Friday).

Alternatively, you may visit the Information Commissioner's Website .

Please note that the ICO will not normally review a complaint under FOI until our internal complaints procedure has been exhausted.