Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act establishes a statutory right of access to information. It applies to approximately 100,000 public authorities.
The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 also provide a right of access to Environmental Information held by the Council and the same process should be used for requesting that information as set out below.
How to request information under the Freedom of Information Act
Access to our information
Disclosure Log
We publish responses to previous requests for information in our disclosure log.
Publication Scheme
Our Publication Scheme aims to provide as much information about us as possible. Under the FOI Act, every public authority is required to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme.
This website
Most Council documents are available on our website. To search for documents, please use the A to Z, the navigation or the search engine facility.
Please also see our Guide to Information page which will take you to the pages of some of the commonly requested topics.
Request information
If the information you are looking for is not available on our publication scheme, you can make a request for the information you require in writing, or by using the Freedom of Information Act request form.
Exemptions
Some information may fail under one of the exemptions under the Act and therefore may not be released. If this is the case, we will tell you which exemption has been applied and the reasons for our decision.
The Information Commissioner's website has more information on exemptions.
Charges
In most cases, information will be supplied free of charge. However, in some circumstances, a charge may be applicable for some information, for example, paper copies sent out by post.
You will be advised of any costs before any information is sent to you.
When will I get a reply?
Your request will be processed and the information will be sent directly to you at the postal or email (if appropriate) address you have supplied on this form.
We aim to provide the information as soon as possible and in any case within 20 working days of receiving your completed form. If we have not responded to your request within this time, please contact us by:
Post: Public Information Manager
Civic Centre
44 York Street
Twickenham
TW1 3BZ
Telephone: 020 8891 7135
Email: foi@richmond.gov.uk
Complaints
If you are not satisfied with the way the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (LBRuT) has dealt with your request for information you can complain. You should complain by setting out clearly your grounds of appeal and send to:
Corporate Complaints and Access to Information Manager
Community Engagement and Accountability Team
Adult and Community Services
3rd Floor Civic Centre
44 York Street
Twickenham
TW1 3BZ
Email: foi@richmond.gov.uk
We aim to provide you with the outcome of your complaint within 20 working days.
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the internal appeal you may appeal further to the Information Commissioner’s Office at:
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Fax: 01625 524 510
Website: www.ico.gov.uk