The Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires all councils to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme setting out the classes of information they hold, the way they intend to publish the information and whether a charge will be made for it.
East Staffordshire Borough Council’s publication scheme is a descriptive guide to the information routinely published by the council.
The Publication Scheme helps ensure a significant amount of information is available to the public without the need for a specific request. The council intends that its scheme will encourage the publication of more information than it is required to publish under existing legislation and to develop a greater culture of openness.
However, whilst the council holds and makes available literature produced by other organisations such as charities and central government, it does not publish it and therefore it is outside its control.
The scheme does not cover personal information held by the council. Access to such information is governed by the Data Protection Act 2018.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOI) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) gives a public right of access to information held by public bodies, and places obligations on public bodies to release the information on request if it is not subject to an exemption.
EIR relates specifically to environmental information which includes information about air, water, soil, land, plants and animals, energy, noise, waste and emissions.
While there are many similarities between FOI and EIR there are some differences. Further details about FOI and EIR can be found on the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) website.
When requesting information under FOI or EIR you must contact the Council in writing and request information including a detailed description of the information or documents they require, how they would like the information conveyed to them, their name and contact details including a telephone number and e-mail address if this is how they wish the information provided.
Before you submit a request
Before you submit a FOI or EIR request, you may wish to check the Council's open data page to see if the information you require has already been published.
Submit a request
The Council will be required to provide the information within 20 working days of receipt of the request. However, in some cases this may not be possible and in these circumstances, an exemption may apply.
If you would like to submit a Freedom of Information or Environmental Information Request, please email foi@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk.
ICO Registration Certificate
View our Information Commissioner's Office registration certificate.
View our Information Commissioner's Office registration entry details.