There are two types of information requests that you can ask for.
Freedom of Information
Freedom of Information (FOI) requests are dealt with under either the Freedom of Information Act 2000 or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, depending on the type of information you ask for.
To make an FOI you need to include:
- your name
- details of the information you want
You can ask that any information held by us that has not already been published available to you. Requests for environmental information are subject to the Environmental Information Regulations.
We only provide information that we hold in recorded form. Opinions or recollections that aren’t written down aren’t covered. Also, we don’t have to create new information to answer requests.
Subject Access Requests
Subject Access Requests (SAR) are covered with under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.
To make a SAR you need to include:
- your name
- a clear description of the information being requested
- proof of ID such as a driving licence, passport or council tax bill.
You can make a request, but there may be exemptions that mean we may not be able to give you some or all the information requested.
Making a SAR or FOI request
You can also make an SAR request or an FOI request by emailing us.
Or you can write to us at: Information Governance, Corporate Governance, Canterbury City Council, 14 Rose Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2UR
What happens after you submit an information request
We will reply in writing, acknowledging your request and to either:
- give you the information
- let you know that clarification is needed, or
- let you know that we cannot provide it and why
We will also give you your rights in relation to the request and what to do if you are unhappy with the response.
All valid requests and responses will also be published online.