The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is designed to promote greater openness and transparency throughout the public sector.
Under the Act, any person has a general right of access to recorded information held by us (Wrexham County Borough Council).
It means you have the right to:
- Be told whether we hold a record of the information you have requested.
- Have the information disclosed to you if we hold it, unless it is covered by one of the exemptions in the Act.
- Receive reasonable advice and assistance in making the request.
Limitations and exemptions
These rights are subject to the limitations and exemptions imposed by the Act and other legislation.
Sometimes there may be circumstances where we refuse your request - in these cases, we will notify you that we are refusing your request for information, and explain the reasons why.
Many limitations and exemptions only apply if it is not in the public interest for the information to be disclosed.
How information is provided
We will usually tell you whether we hold the information within 20 working days. You can specify whether you have any preferences as to how you would like to receive the information (by email, for example).
Where information is disclosed we will typically provide copies of the records held.
The right of access you have is to receive the information, not to copies of particular documents which may contain the information. Information disclosed may be subject to copyright or other restrictions on re-use.
What you need to provide in the request
For your request to be valid under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, you must:
- Submit your request in writing
- Provide your real first name and surname
- Provide your contact details
Please be as specific as possible about the information you would like (including dates for example), rather than asking general questions.
If we need more information to process your request, or if it is not clear, we will contact you for further information.
If you want to request:
- Personal information that is about you, you should make your request under the Data Protection Act instead – check our webpage on ‘Your personal information’.
- Environmental information, make a request under the Environmental Information Regulations instead
There is no charge for simple requests under the Freedom of Information Act, but you may be charged for related costs.
Hard copies
The Act does allow a charge to cover photocopying:
- A4 – 7p per side black and white
- Larger than A4 - price on request and postage at cost.
More complex enquiries
Complex enquiries may have a charge to cover officers time in sourcing the data requested, but will conform to Government/ICO guidelines. This would be charged at £25 per hour (or part hour adjusted accordingly).
We will advise you of any likely costs involved during the processing of your request.
How can I submit a Freedom of Information 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’
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.