Freedom of Information (FOI)

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council abides by The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) - GOV.UK. This provides for a general right of access to all types of "recorded" information held by the council, subject to a number of exemptions that are specified in the Act. Any person has the right to make a request for information under the Act.

Make a Freedom of information request

Requests must include:

• your name
• an address for communication, whether an email address or postal address
• a detailed description of the recorded information that you would like

Information we can not give you

• information we no longer have - see the council's record and retention schedules
• any information that would take us longer than 18 hours to produce
• any information that is exempt under the Act

Wording a freedom of information request

• when making your request make sure your clearly set out the information you want us to provide
• you have a right to request the information, regardless of how it is recorded. You don’t have to specify particular documents
• be as clear as possible, if we are unsure of what it is you want we will have to ask for further clarification
• try to pinpoint exactly what you want. In some cases your request may be refused if it is too expensive or time-consuming to deal with
• if appropriate, specify a time period
• where possible, ask us for specific information rather than using open-ended questions, ‘What or ‘how much’ will lead to better and clearer responses than ‘why’
• we can only provide information we hold., we are not obliged to create new information in order to answer your request
• avoid basing your request or question on assumptions or opinions, or mixing requests with complaints or comments

Our obligations under the Freedom of Information Act

We will:

• acknowledge receipt of your request
• respond to your request within 20 working days from the date of receipt
• provide you with advice and assistance in relation to your request
• keep you informed of the progress of your request
• tell you if a fee is applicable to your request

We must supply the information you requested promptly but no later than 20 working days, unless

• we require further clarification in order to locate the information you have requested
• we apply an exemption to withhold information
• a time extension is necessary
• you have not paid the requested fee

Unhappy with our response?  

If you are unhappy with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Requests should be submitted within two months of the date of receipt of the response to your original enquiry and should be addressed to:

• Email: information.officer@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

If you are not content with outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. The Information Commissioner can also be contacted at:

Information Commissioner's Office Wyecliffe House,
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Other ways to request information

The quickest route to submit your request is from our dedicated 'Make an FOI request' process.  However, a request can also be made in writing. It should state your name and address and describe the information you require.

See also

• Payments to suppliers - all payments made to external suppliers over £500 are publicly available for you to view. So you might like to view this before submitting an FOI as it may answer your question.