The Freedom of Information Act gives a general right of access to all types of official information held by public authorities. The Act also explains the reasons why certain information may not be released and places certain obligations on the Council.

A 'public authority' as defined in the Act, includes, but is not restricted to, central and local government, the police, the health service and schools, colleges and universities.

Anybody can make a request to a public authority for information, and they must be informed if:

• The public authority holds that information, and

• Must be supplied with that information, (subject to exemptions)

Individuals already have the right of access to their own information under the Data Protection Act 1998. As far as public authorities are concerned, the Freedom of Information Act will extend this right to allow the public access to all types of information held by the Council.

You can view an information leaflet (available for download on the right hand side of this webpage) explaining about the Freedom of Information Act and how to submit an information request.

Publication Scheme

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Public Authorities must produce a Publication Scheme, which should be reviewed regularly to ensure the information remains as accurate as possible.

A Publication Scheme is a guide to information giving details of:

The information we routinely make available
How the information can be accessed; and
Whether or not a charge will be made for it.

The purpose of a scheme is to ensure a significant amount of information is available, without the need for a specific request. Schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish more information proactively and to develop a greater culture of openness.

The information Commissioner (ICO) has produced a model Publication Scheme that must be adopted by Public Authorities. Within the model scheme, the ICO has created seven classes of information. To view the Council's updated Publication Scheme and a brief description of the types of information to be found within each class, click on the link provided below.

Please Click here  to see Middlesbrough Council's updated Publication Scheme.

Frequently asked questions

Please see the frequently asked questions document in the downloads section

More information on the Freedom of Information Act can be found on the following websites

• Department for Constitutional Affairs

• Information Commissioner

Middlesbrough Council also maintain a disclosure log. This log documents information released under the Freedom of Information legislation. In the log you will be able to see the date the information was disclosed, the request for that information, and then what information Middlesbrough Council disclosed.

To view the disclosure log please select the "Disclosure Log" link in the green "On this site" box to the right.

Making a request

There are several ways to request information under the freedom of information act:

• Using the online request form
  
•  Download a request form from the downloads section. Once complete please send to this address:

Members' Office,
PO Box 99A,
Town Hall,
Middlesbrough,
TS1 2QQ

• Or send an email to foi@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Responsible Officer Contact Information

Freedom of Information Officer
Members' Office,
PO Box 99A,
Town Hall,
Middlesbrough,
TS1 2QQ

Email: foi@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Phone: 01642 729696
Fax: 01642 729882

What can I do if I am not happy with the Council’s decision on my request?

If you are not happy with the outcome of your request, you can ask for an internal review. Internal reviews will be carried out by the Corporate Complaints Manager, who has not been directly involved with the initial decision process.

To request an internal review you should write to:

Chris Davies,
Corporate Complaints Manager,
PO Box 99A,
Town Hall,
Middlesbrough,
TS1 2QQ.

or alternatively email foi@middlesbrough.gov.uk

We will acknowledge your request for a review within five working days of receiving it and will confirm when we expect to be able to respond. We will respond promptly and usually within 20 working days of receiving your request for a review.

There may be very rare occasions when we are unable to respond within 20 working days, for example very complex requests. In these cases we will notify you of when a response can be expected.

Once your request for a review has been considered you will be informed of the decision, the reasons for that decision and how to make a further appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office, if you are still unhappy.

If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for an independent review. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: -

Information Commissioner’s Office,
Wycliffe House,
Water Lane,
Wilmslow,
Cheshire,
SK9 5AF