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
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.
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 Frequently Requested Information page which will take you to the pages of some of the commonly requested topics.
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: The Information Lawyer
Civic Centre
44 York Street
Twickenham
TW1 3BZ
Telephone: 0208 891 7948
Email: foi@richmond.gov.uk
Fax: 0208 891 7733
If you are unhappy with our response to your request, you can use the above address to make a complaint.