Killamarsh Parish Council (KPC) has a commitment to openness and transparency and has always been conscious of making relevant information available wherever possible to individuals who request it, subject to safeguarding the privacy of individuals and to legitimate considerations of national security, law enforcement and commercial interests where relevant.

1. The Freedom of Information Act 2000

The Freedom of Information Act, which came into force on 1 January 2005, gives everyone a statutory right of access to information held by bodies such as Parish Councils

2. The Revised Model Publication Scheme

KPC has adopted the revised model publication scheme issued by the Information Commissioners Office. The publication scheme is currently being updated but will be available in the Policies and Procedures section of the website or on request from the Parish Office. Please email parish.office@killamarsh-pc.gov.uk or write to the Parish Clerk at Killamarsh Parish Council, Stanley Street, Killamarsh, S21 1EL.

3. Website

A significant amount of the information for KPC including financial payments can be accessed on KPC's website – www.killamarsh-pc.gov.uk

4. Requesting Information

Individuals or organisations may make a written request for information which they believe KPC holds. To request information under the provisions of the Act, and to help KPC in identifying the precise information you require please email parish.office@killamarsh-pc.gov.uk or write to the Parish Clerk at Killamarsh Parish Council, Stanley Street, Killamarsh, S21 1EL.

As required by the Act, the following will need to be included with the request:

• Name of person requesting the information
• Postal Address or email of the person requesting the information
• A clear description of the information being requested
• A preference of how the information is to be communicated e.g. hard copy, electronic or the opportunity to inspect a record containing the information. KPC will try to provide the information in the preferred media as far as is reasonably practical, or will notify the person requesting the information if KPC cannot do so.

5. Responding to Requests

KPC will inform the person requesting the information in writing if KPC hold the information requested and if so, will provide the information no later than 20 working days after receipt of the request.

6. Information Exempt from the Act

The Freedom of Information Act does identify a number of categories of information which KPC is not required to disclose under the Act. In this case, KPC will write to the person requesting the information, stating the exemption which provides the basis for refusal within the Act. KPC will communicate this within 20 working days.

7. Charges

There is no 'flat rate' fee to receive information under the Freedom of Information Act and in many cases KPC will provide the information free of charge. However, if the information requested is not readily available in the media in which it is requested, KPC may charge a fee based on the costs associated with providing the information e.g. photocopying and postage.

8. Refusal of Requests

The Freedom of Information Act does permit KPC to refuse a request if KPC estimate that it will cost KPC in excess of the appropriate limit of 18hrs work.

9. Freedom of Information Fees Notice

If a fee is required for disbursements or because the appropriate cost limit, KPC will write advising of the fee required within 20 working days of receipt of the request. This is known as a 'Fees Notice'. When a Fees Notice has been issued, the 20 working day limit for responding stops and will start again when KPC receive payment. If KPC do not receive the fee within three months KPC are not obliged to comply with the request.

10. Complaints

If persons requesting information are dissatisfied with the way KPC has responded to a request for information, please write to the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).

The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) is responsible for enforcing the operation of the Act, and you may raise issues with this office at any time. More information can be found on the ICO website or by writing to the Information Commissioners Officer, Whycliffe House, Water Lane, Wimslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.