Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act came fully into force on 1 January 2005.  It gives you the right to request information from the Council and over 100,000 other public authorities including: 

• Government Departments
• NHS bodies such as hospitals
• Schools, colleges and universities
• the Police
• the House of Commons
• the House of Lords
• Local Authorities
• Many other public bodies

At Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, we are committed to freedom of information and to promoting an understanding of the work we do.  We will deal with information requests as speedily as possible and offer advice and assistance courteously, promptly and effectively.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 applies to us, as it does to all other public authorities.

Submit a freedom of information request, or use the feedback form listed on the right.

The Act came into force in two stages;

1. Publication Scheme

From 28 February 2003, we were required to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme setting out classes of information that we publish; the manner in which we publish it, (paper, internet or any other means); and whether the material is available to you free of charge or on payment.  Information through the Publication Scheme is generally available free of charge, apart from where there was originally a charge made.

2. Information Request

Since 1 January 2005, any person, anywhere in the world, can ask us for any information, which is not otherwise available through our Publication Scheme or through any other means.  As the Act is retrospective, you can ask for any information from before that date as well as current information.

When you ask us for information, you have a right

• to be told whether we hold that information and
• if we do, to be supplied with it, generally within 20 working days of receiving your request

The Publication Scheme focuses on the following areas;  who we are and what we do; what we spend and how we spend it; what our priorities are and how are we doing; how we make decisions; our policies and procedures; lists and registers; services provided by the Council.