The freedom of information act gives individuals the right to request information held by public authorities.
It imposes three main duties on us. They are
- to adopt and maintain a publication scheme outlining the information routinely made available
- to inform a person making a request whether or not the authority holds the information and to communicate this information to them (subject to exemptions)
- to provide advice and assistance.
A publication scheme is a guide to the information routinely made available by an authority. Read more about our publication scheme.
If the information you are looking for is not available under the publication scheme you can make a freedom of information request to ask for it.
Anyone can make a freedom of information request. It must be made in writing and the applicant must provide an address for a response to be sent to.
There is no charge for making a request, however we can charge for copying and postage. We must respond to a request within 20 working days.
The freedom of information act does allow for an authority to refuse a request, but only under certain circumstances. These are known as exemptions. Exemptions to the supply of information include commercially sensitive information and personal information. We can also refuse a request if it will cost us more than £450 to comply with it. If a request for information is repeated or vexatious then we also don’t have to comply.
More information on how to make a request.
We publish a list of the freedom of information requests we receive.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the body that oversees freedom of information regulations. Their website gives further information on the freedom of information act and advice on making requests.
If you have any questions please contact the freedom of information officer on 01223 457523 or email enquiries@cambridge.gov.uk.
