Freedom of Information policy

Summary

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) "provides an over-arching right of access to all information held by a local authority, over and above existing statutes relating to specific service areas where authorities hold a large range of information".

Individuals have a separate right of access to their personal information under the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 and Data Protection Act 2018. Great Yarmouth Borough Council's Data Protection Policy provides further information.

The FOIA allows public access to recorded information held by local authorities. The FOIA allows access to information regardless of when that information was created or how long it has been held, and also sets out exemptions, as well as places a number of obligations on public authorities. The FOIA came into force on 1 January 2005.

The FOIA requires Great Yarmouth Borough Council to produce and maintain a Publication Scheme and to comply with requests for information (unless exempt from disclosure).

The aim of this policy is to:

• provide a framework that ensures that the Council complies with the FOIA
• promote transparency of decision making by the Council
• improve and enhance the democratic process
• build public trust and confidence

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Council's Digital strategy (2024), Data protection policy and Records Management and Data Retention Policy.

Document

• Freedom of Information Policy (PDF) [87KB] (opens new window)