Freedom of Information Act (FOI)
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives individuals rights of access to information held by public bodies.
Individuals already have the right of access to personal information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998. As far as the Council and other public authorities are concerned, the Freedom of Information Act extends this right to allow public access to all types of recorded information held, subject to certain exemptions.
Public authorities have two main responsibilities under the Act: to produce a 'Publication Scheme' (a guide to the information held which is publicly available) and dealing with individual requests for information.
Anyone is able to make a request for information, although the request must be made in writing, this includes via e-mail. The request must contain details of the applicant and the information sought. The Act gives applicants two related rights:
- to be told whether the information is held by the public authority,
- to receive the information (and where possible, in the manner requested, i.e. as a copy or summary, or the applicant may ask to inspect a record).
Public authorities are obliged to provide information recorded both before and after the Act was passed.
Further information and access to the publication scheme are available on this site
Contact Details
For more information please contact the Corporate Performance, Policy and Information Division:
Telephone: 0121 704 6251/8299
Email: ppidivision@solihull.gov.uk