2025
Make a request for information
If you cannot find what you are looking for on this website or our Publication Scheme document you might want to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) came into force on 1st January 2005, giving individuals, organisations or companies the opportunity to request information held by public authorities.
Before you make a request
You should check:
- if we already provided the information by checking our Publication Scheme
- if your request has already been asked by searching the disclosure log
- if your request is valid, check the ICO guidance (ICO website)
- if we are the right organisation that deals with the information you are requesting
How to make a request
All requests for information under the FOIA must be made to us in writing and need to include:
- Your name
- a contact postal or email address
- a detailed description of the information you want, including any time periods
Be as clear and precise with your request as possible, including specific dates where necessary. This will avoid us having to ask for clarification which could slow the response to your request.
After you have made a request
You have the right to be informed in writing as to whether we hold the requested information and to have that information supplied within 20 working days subject to any exemptions.
Why we might not disclose some information
We may not hold the information you request as it may be held by another organisation.
There are exemptions on disclosing information. Remember that a disclosure made under the FOIA is made to the wider public, not just the person who has made the request.
The exemptions ensure that a proper balance is achieved between the right to know, the right to personal privacy and the delivery of effective government.
We will need to consider the content of the information, the effect that disclosure would have on the source of information and the purpose for which the information was recorded. If information is going to be withheld, we must explain which specific exemptions apply and the reasons for this decision.
Examples of the considerations we might make are:
- personal information, where disclosure of the information requested would breach the Data Protection Act
- information provided to us in confidence, such as a complaint where the information may identify the complainant
- information which if disclosed would put our staff at risk
- information which if disclosed would prejudice the commercial interests of the council or its partners
Each request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we always balance our decision fairly, in weight of disclosure. Read the full details of exemptions (ICO website).
Appeal against a decision made under the Freedom of Information Act
If you are not happy with how your request has been managed or how an exemption has been applied, you can request an internal review.
Contact the Town Clerk within 40 days of receiving your reply from us. We will then review your request and issue a decision accordingly within 20 working days.
Email: office@wymondhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
If you remain dissatisfied, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to consider your request. The ICO will not consider appeals unless our appeal procedure has been exhausted.
Contact the ICO on their website
Your privacy when making a request
Details of your request will be kept for up to three years, in order to take account for any appeal procedures. Where possible we shall ensure the information we hold is anonymous when it is used for statistical purposes aimed at improving our services.
FOI Disclosure log
