Freedom of information

Background to the Freedom of Information Act 2000

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is intended to promote a culture of openness and accountability amongst public sector bodies by providing people with rights of access to the information held by them. It is expected that these rights will facilitate better public understanding of how public authorities carry out their duties, why they make the decisions they do and how they spend public money.

About the Publication Scheme

Every public authority will be required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme setting out the classes of information it holds, the manner in which it intends to publish the information, and whether a charge will be made for the information. The purpose of our scheme is to ensure that a significant amount of information is made available, without the need for a specific request to be made. The scheme is intended to encourage the publication of more information proactively, and to develop a greater culture of openness.

Exemptions

Whilst the Freedom of Information Act creates a right to request specific information held by public bodies, it also creates a number of exemptions from that right. These have the effect of permitting public authorities to withhold some or all of the information requested, where that information fits the terms of one or more of the exemptions.

What to do if you have a complaint

Southampton City Council has an internal complaints procedure already in place. Any person who considers that the Authority is not complying with the Publication Scheme or has not facilitated correctly a request for information may use our internal complaints procedure.

[For more detailed information and to see frequently asked questions visit Southampton City Council's website Cityweb]