The Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) enables you to access information we hold of which you are the subject. These requests have a £10 charge. A valid request will be answered within 40 calendar days of being received. More information can be found at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) enables you to access environmental information relating to:
- air
- water
- land
- natural sites
- flora and fauna
- the built environment
- health
The regulations also cover information relating to decisions or activities likely to affect any of these, including environmental protection and cost benefit analysis.
Enquiries can be made on the telephone or in writing and you should receive a response within 20 working days. In some cases the 20 working day limit can be extended if the request is for complex or high volumes of information. More information can be found at www.sustainable-development.gov.uk
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) gives you a general right of access to information held by public authorities, including Government Office for the North West. The Act has created two rights:
- to know if information exists
- to have the information supplied on written request
More information can be found at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk or www.dca.gov.uk/foi/index.htm
Government Offices are required to:
- maintain a ‘Publication Scheme’, which sets out the information that we will routinely make available. The Government Office Publication Scheme is part of the Publication Scheme of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)
- tell you whether we hold the information requested and provide it, or explain why it has not been provided, quoting the relevant exemption under the legislation
- reply to you within 20 working days
- advise and assist you in making your request. We may contact you to clarify your request.
Although there will be no charge for information that costs Government Office for the North West less than £600 to produce, we may request a fee if this limit is exceeded. If you do not wish to pay the fee, we can refuse to supply the information.
How to request information
- Put your request in writing (this includes fax or email) to the individual concerned if you have their name. Or you can send your request to:
Information Manager
Government Office for the North West
City Tower
Piccadilly Plaza
Manchester
M1 4BE
Email: gonwmailbox@gonw.gsi.gov.uk
Fax: 0161 952 4184
- State clearly what information is required
- Give your name and an address where we can contact you
- Tell us in what format you would like to receive the information
