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Freedom of information

Explains what the freedom of information act is like and the type of information you can ask for. Also provides information on environmental information, schools, personal data, making requests, response times, needing more information, and what to do if you are not happy with the response. Also provides information on the Reuse of Public Sector Information Regulations, the type of information you can reuse, the conditions for its reuse and the types of information you do not have permission to reuse.

What is the Freedom of Information of Information Act (FOI)?

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) came into force in January 2005 and allows members of the public to request access to information which is not already available to the public.

What type of information can I ask for?

You can ask for access to recorded information. The Act does not however cover information that is already in the public domain or can already be viewed by the public.

The council has adopted the Information Commissioner's revised Model Publication Scheme which sets out the council's commitment to make information available. This publication commits an authority to make information available to the public as part of its normal business activities.

Model Publication Scheme (pdf 269kd opens in new window)


The scheme sets out the classes (types) of information which is available and which is identified in the council's guide (the council’s website). The guide gives details of the information that the council publishes or intends to publish; how the information is published; and whether a charge is payable.

Where information is not identified in the guide any individual or organisation can, under the Act's general right of access, ask to have access to any information held by the council.

Further information can be found from the Information Commissioner's Office (external website)

Does the Freedom of Information Act cover environmental information?

Environmental Information is not covered by the Freedom of Information Act, it is covered by the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

Further details are available from Information Commissioner's Office (external website)

Does the Freedom of Information Act cover information held about schools?

Schools are covered by the Freedom of Information Act and are responsible for considering their own requests for access to information through their own Publication Schemes.

The school should be contacted directly for any request. Contact details for schools can be found on the councils' School Finder.

Does Freedom of Information Act allow me to access Personal Data about me?

Personal information about you is not covered by the Freedom of Information act, it is covered by the Data Protection Act 2018.

To access information about you, you will need to make a Subject Access Request. Details of how to do this can be found on the Data Protection section.

Further information can also be found on the Information Commissioner's Office website:

Information Commissioner's Office (external website)

Does the council have to provide me with the information that I request?

The council aims to provide as much information as it can, however in certain circumstance we may apply an exemption to the disclosure of some information. If this happens then the reasons will be explained.

Further details of exemptions that could be applied can be found on the UK Legislation website:

UK Legislation (external website)

How do I make a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000?

A request has to be writing and this can be by email or letter.

Email: foi@eastriding.gov.uk

Telephone: (01482) 393203

In writing to:

Freedom of Information Act Coordinator 
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Democratic Services
County Hall
Beverley
HU17 9BA.

How long are response times?

All Freedom of Information requests must be responded to within 20 working days.

FOI and the coronavirus:

The Information Commissioner recognises the unprecedented challenges facing local authorities during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, in particular that resources, whether they are finances or people, may be diverted away from usual compliance or information rights work. Whilst we will endeavour to meet the statutory timescales we may need to adapt our approach during this extraordinary period and you may experience understandable delays when making requests for information. 

Who can I contact for more information on the Freedom of Information Act?

Please contact the councils' Freedom of Information Act coordinator:

Email: foi@eastriding.gov.uk

Telephone: (01482) 393203

In writing to:

Freedom of Information Act Coordinator 
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Democratic Services
County Hall
Beverley
HU17 9BA.

What do I do if I am not happy with the response that I receive from the council?

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the consideration of your request, or how your request has been handled you can ask for a review. To do this please contact the council's Freedom of Information Coordinator:

Email: foi@eastriding.gov.uk

Telephone: (01482) 393203

In writing to:

Freedom of Information Act Coordinator 
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Democratic Services
County Hall
Beverley
HU17 9BA. 

What do I do if I am still unhappy about the response?

You can contact the Information Commissioner:

Information Commissioner's Office (external website)

Email: mail@gsi.gov.uk

Telephone: 01625 545745

In writing to:

The Information Commissioners Office 
Wycliffe House, Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF.

What are the Re Use of Public Sector Information Regulations?

The Re Use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015 allows some information that the Council produces as part of its public task and which it has made publicly available either by publishing the information or in response to a freedom of information or environmental information regulations request available for re use. 

What information cannot be reused?

The following information cannot be reused:

  • Information that is owned by people other than the council cannot be reused
  • Information contained on the East Riding of Yorkshire Public Access for viewing and commenting on planning applications can only be used in accordance with the Public Access Terms of Use 
  • Council logos, crests or insignia cannot be reused
  • Personal data cannot be reused 
  • Information that is not produced as part of the council’s public task cannot be reused
  • If information contained on this website is not available for reuse this will be made clear on the relevant page 
  • If information provided in response to a request under the freedom of information or environmental information regulations is not available for reuse that will be made clear in the response to the request. 

Do I need to make a request to reuse information?

If the information is not listed under What information cannot be reused? you do not need to make an application to reuse any information which the council has made publicly available. If you wish to reuse information you must comply with the terms of the Open Government Licence (external website). 

How do I make an application to reuse information?

If you want to make an application to reuse information which is not available for reuse or you are not clear whether information can be reused a request has to be writing and this can be by email or letter.

Email: 

foi@eastriding.gov.uk

Telephone: 

(01482) 393203

In writing to:

Freedom of Information Act Coordinator
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Democratic Services
County Hall
Beverley
HU17 9BA