Chesterfield Borough Council's Publication Scheme
The Freedom of Information Act gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public bodies such as government departments and local authorities and asks that we provide access to our information under a 'Publication Scheme'
The Council's publication scheme sets out:
- The classes of information it publishes or intends to publish
- The manner in which it intends to publish the information
- Whether a charge will be made for the information
Individuals already have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998. The Publication Scheme sets out details of other information held by the Council and which it makes available to the public or intends to make available in the future.
Structure
The Scheme has been divided into four sections each dealing with a different aspect of the Council.
Within each section we have included a subject heading followed by one or more descriptions of classes or types of information available for that subject. Each description is followed by
- A description of any exclusions that might apply.
- Any statutory provisions governing the publication of information in that class of information.
- Where you may gain access to the information
- The formats in which we provide the information.
- Whether any charges might be made.
Where possible we have tried to describe information in general terms rather than just list documents currently available.
Exclusions
We have tried to keep the number of exclusions to a minimum but inevitably with the use of general descriptions of information there are some situations where information might be included which should not be published. In those situations we have indicated the exclusions which we may apply. Examples are:
- Personal information about individuals - Usually such information is subject to the Data Protection Act 1998 which lays down separate provisions as to the use and publishing of such information.
- Commercially sensitive information - This covers a wide range of situations but could include situations where publishing the information might prejudice the Council’s contract negotiations or give an unfair advantage to one or more parties wishing to bid for a Council contract. Some information is provided to the Council by its contractors and suppliers on a confidential basis.
- Information which if published might prejudice the health and safety of staff or the security of the Council, its staff, systems, services or property - We will only maintain an exclusion for so long as necessary.
Read more on how to complain about how we handle freedom of information requests
Statutory provisions governing publication
There are a number of statutory provisions other than the Freedom of Information Act which already require the Council to publish certain information or maintain public records. Those provisions often lay down how the Council is to provide that information and what if any charges are payable. Where such provisions apply to information included in the Publication Scheme, we will make the information available in accordance with those provisions.
Under each description we have indicated which statutory provision (if any) applies to any information within that description.
Access
We have included under each description a brief indication of the location where you may obtain the information described. The normal opening hours for the Council’s Town Hall offices are:
Mondays – Thursdays: 8.30 am to 5 pm
Fridays: 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
The Town Hall is closed on public holidays.
Formats available
We publish information in a wide range of formats. Typically hard copies may take the form of leaflets, booklets, posters or reports. Some information is available in electronic format such as a spreadsheet. Under each description we have indicated the formats currently being used for that type of information.
Not all information within that description will be published in each format mentioned but information will appear in at least one of those formats. Where several are currently used we have merely said “various”. Please note that as new information comes into existence we may decide to publish it in other formats.
In some circumstances we may be able to provide alternative formats on request.
Charges
Much of the information we publish is freely available. We do however make a charge for copies of some documents. If any of the information within a particular description attracts a charge we have indicated this within the Scheme.
Some charges are based on prescribed statutory fees whilst others are those imposed by the Council. Those imposed by the Council generally reflect the cost of copying or publishing the information. A few may reflect the cost of extracting the information from our records.
We do not usually charge for viewing information unless there is a statutory charge or it is not readily accessible without the use of staff resources.
We do not charge for information published on this web site.
The Council may review its charges from time to time. Where any specific charge is mentioned in the Publication Scheme this may be subject to subsequent review and change.