Different rules apply to requests for environmental information. A request for environmental information does not have to be in writing.
A request can be made verbally but it is recommended to put your request in writing by using the online service as it may speed matters up. In most cases the council has to respond to the request within 20 working days. We may charge a fee before we make information available to you.
We do not charge for the time taken to determine whether we hold the information requested, nor for the time it takes to decide whether the information can be released.
Charges may be made for locating, retrieving and providing information to you.
If there is a charge we will tell you how much it will be and how it has been calculated.
Fees are calculated on the basis of the actual cost to us of providing the information.
- staff time will be calculated at actual cost per person per hour
- Photocopying is charged at 10p per A4 sheet for black and white copying, 30p per A4 sheet for colour copying. Other formats are charged at cost
- where information costs between £400 and £600 to provide, you may be asked to pay 10% of the cost ‒ i.e. if you asked for information that cost us £600 to provide, you would be asked to pay £20, which is calculated on the basis of a waiver for the first £400 and 10% of the remaining £200
- where it would cost more than £600 to provide the information to you we will ask you to pay the full cost of providing the information, with no waiver for any portion of the cost
If we have calculated that a fee is payable we will provide the information to you once you have paid the fee.
If you decide not to proceed with the request there will be no charge.