Data Protection and Freedom of Information

Overview
This section shows how customers and/or residents can request and gain access to different kinds of information.
The Council endeavours wherever possible to provide information when it is requested within a reasonable time but certain requests fall under specific legislation which has set times and methods for responses. See each section for more details.

Information requests
Any request for information held by us or on behalf of a public authority or a body carrying out a public function is technically a Freedom of Information (FOI) request in the first instance.

1. If the information requested concerns the environment or public health and safety (in South Bucks) it should be dealt with under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR's).
2. If it is determined that part or all of the information requested is personal information, where the applicant is the subject of the information, access to that information will be dealt with under the Data Protection Act 1998.

In effect the three pieces of legislation work together, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 enabling access to environmental information, the Data Protection Act 1998 enabling access to personal information of which the applicant is the subject, and the Freedom of Information Act enabling access to all other information.

The council is also required to publish a list of all information that is readily available and what format it is available in and whether there is a charge.

Customer Relations:- If you wish to make a comment or lodge a complaint about the Council or any of its services or staff. You should also use this route if you have made an application for information under any of the following legislation and for whatever reason you are not satisfied.

Freedom of Information:- to request information about the Council and its activities (as per the Freedom of Information Act 2000).

Data Protection:– If you wish to request personal information about yourself or exercise your rights under the Data Protection Act 1998.

Environmental Information regulations:- If you would like information about the state of the environment or factors affecting the environment or the state of human health and safety in the South Bucks District