Freedom of Information Act 2000

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000 provides everyone with a right of access to information held by public authorities.  The Government terms this the ‘right to know’. 

The Model Publication Scheme
The FOIA requires every public authority to adopt and maintain a publication scheme (introduced on 1 January 2009) which has been approved by the Information Commissioner, and to publish information in accordance with the scheme.

There is now one approved model scheme which we, as a public authority have adopted.  The scheme lists information under seven broad classes and can be accessed on the right of this page.

This scheme represents a commitment to publishing information within certain broad classes.  It does not specify particular pieces of information or charges.  The model scheme should not be altered.

Guide to Information
Our brief guide to information (based on the model publication scheme), is also available on the right, with links to the areas of our website where the relevant information is currently held.

We will review and update the information guide and its contents on a regular basis and are finalising a more detailed guide (based on the definition document for Joint Authorities and Boards) which will be available for download here shortly.  This will specify the particular information we publish, how it will be published and what charge, if any is to be made. 

We hope this helps you to find the information that you are looking for.  However, if there is something you cannot find and/or you wish to make a FOIA request, please contact us.

Environmental Information Regulations 2004

The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 provide everyone with a right of access to environmental information held by public authorities and those bodies carrying out a public function, such as utility companies.  The Regulations 'right to know’ applies regardless of when the information was created or how long it has been held.

Our Environmental Information Regulations Policy will be available shortly.

Data Protection Act 1998

The Data Protection Act 1998 regulates the processing of information about living, identifiable individuals, including the obtaining, use or disclosure of such information.

Our Data Protection Policy will be available shortly.

Further Information
If you need any further information about these Acts or Regulations or if you need advice or assistance with your information request, please contact the Information and Corporate Communications Manager on 01392 872173 or email freedomofinformation@dsfire.gov.uk.

You can also access more information on the Information Commissioner's website www.ico.gov.uk.