F1-07 Freedom of Info A5
13/1/05
5:49 pm
Page 1
The Freedom of Information Act In January 2005 the Freedom of Information Act came into force. This leaflet explains the key rights and obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Northwest Regional Development Agency’s (NWDA) arrangements for meeting these. An • • •
individual or an organisation has the right: To request information from the NWDA. To be told whether or not the NWDA holds the information. To have the information communicated to them within 20 working days (where information is available and is not subject to an exemption).
The Northwest Regional Development Agency: • Must respond no later than 20 working days after receipt of the request. • Must supply the information requested, where practicable, in the format requested. • Has a duty to provide reasonable advice and assistance to anyone making a request. • Has discretion to charge applicants a fee in accordance with the fees regulations made under sections 9, 12 and 13 of the Act. • Must maintain a publication scheme, and publish information in accordance with this scheme. The Agency's publication scheme was adopted in September 2003 having been approved by the Information Commissioners, and can be viewed on the website – www.nwda.co.uk The principle is that ALL INFORMATION held by the Agency IN ANY FORM will be accessible, subject to certain limited exemptions set out in the Act. There are two types of exemption; absolute and qualified. Absolute exemptions give no general right of access to the information. Qualified exemptions must pass a public interest test. If disclosure is denied the Agency must explain which exemption is being used and why. The applicant has a right of appeal against the decision. It should be noted that disclosure of personal information will continue to be governed by the Data Protection Act 1998. Any requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act should be forwarded in writing to Sharon Doran, NWDA, Renaissance, House, PO Box 37, Centre Park, Warrington, Cheshire WA1 1XB or email foi@nwda.co.uk. Any appeals or complaints about any aspect of the process should be addressed to the Chief Executive at the address above.
NWDA F1-07 (PF)