Environment:
Access Rights to Environmental Information.
The Government have introduced new Environmental Information Regulations which came into force on 1st January 2005.
These regulations are designed to cover environmental information which is specifically exempt under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and is released or withheld under these regulations.
What is Environmental Information?
Environmental Information will cover information on the state of the environment, such as air, water, soil, land, flora and fauna and diversity and will also include information on genetically modified organisms. In addition, information on emissions and discharges, noise, energy, radiation, waste and other such substances, measures and activities such as policies, plans and agreements, reports, cost benefit and economic analyses. The state of human health and safety, contamination of the food chain, cultural sites and built structures as they may be affected by environmental factors, will be considered environmental information.
Responsibilities of Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council?
The Council are included in the definition of Public Authorities covered by the Regulations and to organise information with a view to active dissemination including by electronic means.
The Council are committed to provide applicants for information with advice and assistance particularly if they are unclear about what information is required. If the Council finds the information requested is not in their possession and it believes it is held by another authority, the request will be transferred directly and applicants will be notified of such transfer.
If you are dissatisfied with the information.
If an applicant is dissatisfied by the response received from the Council they have the right to make representations and the decision will be reviewed and the request will be reconsidered.
Representations should be addressed to:
The Director of Environment
Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council
Council Offices
Wallace Green
Berwick-upon-Tweed
TD15 1ED
Telephone: 01289 330044
e-mail: ram@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
How long will it take?
The Council will normally provide a full response to requests within 20 working days, however if we find it difficult to identify the information requested or it is particularly voluminous or complex, we may extend the time taken to 40 working days. We will notify you if the time is to be extended.
How will we provide the information?
Wherever possible we will provide the information in the form you request. Please be specific in your request if you need it in a particular form. If we are unable to provide the information in the form requested we will always advise you why.
Is there any charge?
The Council will make a charge for hard copies of information in accordance with the scale of fees and charges which is available separately upon request.
Is there any appeal procedure?
If you are not satisfied with the response of the Council you may appeal to the Information Commissioner, and possibly subsequently to the Information Tribunal.
Initial contact should be made to:
Environmental Information Request Regulations Team
Information Commissioners Office
Wycliffe House Telephone: 01625545700
Water Lane Fax: 016255 24510
Wilmslow E-mail: eir-enquiries@ico.ssi.gov.uk
Cheshire www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
SK9 SAF
If you would like to downlaod a form to print out and make a request, please select one of the links below.
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