How do I make a request for information?
All requests for information under the freedom of information act need to be submitted in writing. This can be in a letter, by completing the freedom of information request form.
You must supply a name and an address that we can reply to. You will need to provide us with enough detail about your request for us to identify the information. If you request the information in electronic format you must supply an email address.
How can I help?
It will help us if you can be as specific as possible about the information you want. This will help us to locate it as quickly as possible. It will also ensure that the information you are sent is what you are looking for.
When will I receive it?
We will supply the information within 20 working days.
Is there a charge?
Making a request is free. However, we will charge for copying, printing and postage. The charges are 10p per page for A4 and 20p for A3. We will notify you beforehand of any costs. If the cost of copying and postage is less than £10 in total we will not charge.
Is there any information which we will not supply?
There are a number of exemptions within the freedom of information act and if the information you request falls into one of these areas we may refuse to supply the information.
We will tell you if we are withholding information and why. Any information relevant to your request which is not exempt will be supplied.
If a request will cost us more than £450 (equivalent to 2.5 days work) to fulfil we are not obliged to supply the information.
We consider each freedom of information request individually. More information is available about the exemptions that may apply to requests about our commercial interests or planning applications.
Are there other ways to find the information I'm looking for?
The information you are looking for may already be available on our website and you can use the search facility to look for information which may be there. The publication scheme is a guide to information we routinely make available.
Can I have a copy of information held about me?
If you are looking for your own personal information, this is handled under the data protection act. For more information about data protection please view our data protection pages or email the data protection officer at data.protection@cambridge.gov.uk.
Please note that we cannot provide you with personal information about other people if doing so will breach the Data Protection Act 1998.
Further information
If you have any questions about freedom of information, you can contact us by email at foi@cambridge.gov.uk or telephone 01223 457523, or write to:
Freedom of Information Officer
The Guildhall
Cambridge, CB2 3QJ
