The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) gives you certain rights of access to recorded information held by the council.

South Hams District Council recognises the importance of the Act for public services to promote accountability and openness. We are committed to meeting our responsibities under the Act.

Please click on the links below to view

our Freedom of Information Policy

our Guide to Information

our Publication Scheme

More comprehensive details are available at the Freedom of Information website on the link below:

   http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/guidancefoi.htm

Here is a link to the Freedom of Information Act 2000

Freedom of Information Act 2000

How do I make a request?

Your request must be in writing giving your name and address for correspondence. You should also describe the information you want in order that we can locate it. You may email us your request to us but it may be necessary for us to have a postal address in order to provide the requested information. In some cases we may need to contact you to discuss your request with you before we can provide the information.

Should you wish to use our online FOI form to make your request it is available here. Please download, complete and return to the address below.

Alternatively you can send your written request in a letter addressed to :

Customer Services
South Hams District Council
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5NE

The Council must take no more than 20 working days to deal with your request.

What if I want to see information that you hold about me?

Personal information (information about a living individual) will be treated as a request under the  Data Protection Act 1998.

You are not entitled to obtain personal information relating to another living person.  If you want information about yourself you must apply under the Data Protection Act for a “subject access request”.  Please see the related page on this website about that: Data Protection page.  There is a fee of £10 for each application.

What if I am dissatisfied with the Council's response?

If you feel your request has not been dealt with properly or you have not received information to which you are entitles you may make a complaint to us.

Your complaint will be dealt with in accordance with our complaints procedure

If you are still not satisfied after using this procedure you make a complaint to the Information Commissioner who is responsible for enforcing FOI.

FOI/EIR ( Complaints Resolution )
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AAF

Or email to http://www.ico.gov.uk/