Freedom of Information Act - RBWM Publication Scheme

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FoIA) received Royal Assent on 30 November 2000.  It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, including the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead.  It sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on the Council.

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council has produced a publication scheme as required by section 19 of the FoIA.  The Publication Scheme setting out the classes of information that the Council routinely publishes or intends to publish routinely; the manner in which information in each class is, or is intended to be, published; whether the material is, or is intended to be, available to the public free of charge or on payment.

It is intended that, by outlining the types of information the Council holds, the scheme will assist the public's understanding of what the Council does and the services it provides.  This document will also assist the public in formulating requests for information.  It also underpins the Council's commitment to pro-active disclosure of information.

Individuals already have the right of access to personal information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998.  As far as the Council and other public authorities are concerned, the Freedom of Information Act extends this right to allow public access to all types of information held, subject to some exemptions.

It is important to note that not all information the council holds is available for public access.  Some of the information classes identified in this document may contain some material that is exempt information. 

The Council welcomes any comments regarding the use, effectiveness, content and structure of the publication scheme.  The scheme itself is subject to continuous review so that it accurately reflects the requirements of customers and clients, council structure, council services and culture.

The Council is already working to make itself more open and already publishes a large amount of information through its website, Council offices and libraries.

•   Publication Scheme (pdf 180kb)