The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 give the public similar rights to those in the Freedom of Information Act; which promotes greater openness and transparency throughout the public sector.
Under these regulations, any person has a general right of access to recorded environmental information held by us (Wrexham County Borough Council).
Types of information covered by these regulations
Environmental information includes recorded information we have about:
- The state of the elements of the environment such as air, water, soil and land.
- Emissions and discharges, noise, energy, radiation, waste and any other similar substances (you can find some air quality information on our website).
- Measures and activities such as policies, plans and agreements affecting or likely to affect the state of the elements of the environment.
- Reports, cost benefit and economic analysis used in these policies, plans and agreements.
- The state of human health and safety, contamination of food chain and cultural sites and built structures.
Charges
Under the regulations there is no charge for access to the following:
- Public registers
- Environmental information lists
- Onsite inspections
However, for all other situations a charge may be applied; which is decided on a case by case basis.
Where hard copies of information are requested we may also charge for the cost of postage and photocopying.
We will advise you of any likely costs involved during the processing of your request.
How can I submit an EIR request?
Check first!
Before you make a request please check whether the information is already available as part of our Publication scheme.
You can also check to see if we have received and responded to a request similar to yours via the WhatDoTheyKnow website (external link)
You can also make a request by:
- Email - FOI@wrexham.gov.uk
- Post - address to ‘Corporate Information Department, Customer & Governance, The Guildhall, Wrexham LL11 1AY’
- Phone - call 01978 292000 and ask to speak to the Corporate Information Team.
Making a complaint
Internal review
If you are unhappy with the way your request has been handled, you may ask for an internal review within 40 working days from the date of our response.
You will need to state the reason why you disagree with the decision made.
Email foi@wrexham.gov.uk, or call our switchboard on 01978 292000 and ask to speak to the Corporate Information Team.
Information Commissioner
If you are unhappy with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office for a decision. This is the UK’s independent authority set up to enforce laws relating to public access to information.