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Freedom of Information, Frequently Asked Questions
Who can request information?
Anyone can request information under the Act after 1st January 2005, regardless of age, nationality or location. Requests may be submitted via letter or e-mail, but we would encourage you to use our Request Form.
Anyone can request information under the Act after 1st January 2005, regardless of age, nationality or location. Requests may be submitted via letter or e-mail, but we would encourage you to use our Request Form.
What information will be available?
Any information held by the NEELB is eligible for release. However, a number of exemptions may be applied to protect information properly kept confidential. (See also What happens if my request is refused?)
Any information held by the NEELB is eligible for release. However, a number of exemptions may be applied to protect information properly kept confidential. (See also What happens if my request is refused?)
Does the Board have a publication scheme?
Yes. The NEELB publishes information pro-actively whenever possible, rather than it only being available on request. The NEELB's Publication Scheme specifies the categories of information that the Board publish or intend to publish, how to obtain that information, and whether any payment is required.
Yes. The NEELB publishes information pro-actively whenever possible, rather than it only being available on request. The NEELB's Publication Scheme specifies the categories of information that the Board publish or intend to publish, how to obtain that information, and whether any payment is required.
If information is available under the Publication Scheme we are not obliged to provide the information to you under the FOI Act because it is deemed to be already reasonably accessible to you.
How do I make a request?
The Act requires that all requests:
The Act requires that all requests:
- Are in writing (this does include emails)
- state clearly what information is required
- state the name of the applicant, and an address for correspondence
What happens when I make a request?
When the NEELB receives a request for information, we will respond as soon as possible, and not later than 20 working days after receiving your request.
When the NEELB receives a request for information, we will respond as soon as possible, and not later than 20 working days after receiving your request.
The NEELB will consider your request, and reply.
The reply will confirm or deny whether or not we hold the information, and we will either provide the information you requested, or explain why it has not been provided, quoting an exemption under the Act.
What happens if the NEELB doesn't understand my request?
Under the Freedom of Information Act, we have a duty to advise and assist requesters. If we do not understand your request, we will contact you to clarify what it is that you want.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, we have a duty to advise and assist requesters. If we do not understand your request, we will contact you to clarify what it is that you want.
What does it cost?
If you are requesting information contained in the NEELB's publication scheme, the scheme will also give details of whether (and how much) the Board will charge for providing the information.
If you are requesting information contained in the NEELB's publication scheme, the scheme will also give details of whether (and how much) the Board will charge for providing the information.
If you are requesting information not contained within the publication scheme, the NEELB may charge you a fee, as laid down in Regulations.
These Regulations provide that requests which will cost less than £450 to answer (£600 for requests to central government) will be free of charge, although public authorities may charge for the cost of photocopying and postage etc.
If your request will cost more than this to answer, the NEELB can refuse to answer your request, answer it for free, or charge up to and including the full cost of answering.
If you refuse to pay the fee, the NEELB can refuse to supply the information.
What happens if my request is refused?
A request for information may only be refused by the NEELB if it falls under one of the exemptions.
A request for information may only be refused by the NEELB if it falls under one of the exemptions.
If your request is refused, the reply from the NEELB will identify which exemption applys, and give you details of how to apply for an internal review of their decision to refuse.
If, after an internal review, the NEELB still refuses your request, you may ask The Information Commissioner to review that decision.
How many requests can I make?
The Act does not specifically limit the number of requests you can make. However, section 14 of the Act states that the NEELB can reserve the right to refuse any vexatious or repeated requests. This may include repeated requests from the same person for the same information, or requests which are intended to disrupt the Boards work.
The Act does not specifically limit the number of requests you can make. However, section 14 of the Act states that the NEELB can reserve the right to refuse any vexatious or repeated requests. This may include repeated requests from the same person for the same information, or requests which are intended to disrupt the Boards work.
How can I use the information I receive?
The Freedom of Information Act does not place restrictions on how the information supplied under it may be used. However, the Act does provide for exemptions for commercially sensitive information, information intended for future publication or information related to investigations, law enforcement and court records. The Act does not transfer copyright in any information supplied under it.
The Freedom of Information Act does not place restrictions on how the information supplied under it may be used. However, the Act does provide for exemptions for commercially sensitive information, information intended for future publication or information related to investigations, law enforcement and court records. The Act does not transfer copyright in any information supplied under it.
Can I ask for the information in a different format?
You may request that the information be supplied in any form. However, the NEELB may take into account the cost of supplying the information in this form before complying with your request. In particular, you may ask for information in permanent form, in summary form, or for permission to inspect records containing the information.
You may request that the information be supplied in any form. However, the NEELB may take into account the cost of supplying the information in this form before complying with your request. In particular, you may ask for information in permanent form, in summary form, or for permission to inspect records containing the information.
