www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Environmental information regulations
Summary of Service
The Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) give people the right to receive information that the council holds about environmental matters.
The Corporate Information Officer co-ordinates the council's response to requests for information made under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, and ensures that the information is provided within the statutory time limit.
Details of Service
The Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004 came into force at the same time as the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) 2000. The EIRs give the public the right to obtain information that the council holds about matters relating to the environment. Freedom of Information (FOI) does not give the public this right, so the two pieces of legislation complement each other.
The term 'environment' is defined very broadly in the Regulations. It covers elements of the environment such as air, water, soil, land and landscapes, built structures including ancient monuments, and ecological issues. It also covers measures that might be taken that affect the environment. Any requests for information about matters relating to the environment must be responded to using the Environmental Information Regulations.
After we have received a request for information under EIR, we have a deadline of 20 days in which to respond, although this can be extended to 40 days in complex cases. Requests can be made in writing (including emails and faxes) or orally. The request does not need to state that the information is required under the Environmental Information Regulations.
After receiving a request we will calculate what the fee for providing the information will be, and request payment, if applicable. We will assess whether it is appropriate to disclose all of the information that has been requested. Sometimes we need to withhold some or all of the information - if we do decide that we cannot disclose the information that has been requested, we will explain why we have made that decision. The decision will always be made in line with the exemptions provided in the legislation, and we always prefer to disclose information whenever possible.
After the information has been released, there is an appeals procedure if we do not provide the information that has been requested.
Needs
There are no special requirements for making a request. It would be helpful if you could be very clear in explaining precisely what information you need. This will keep the costs down for you, and ensure we only provide the information you really want.
Payment
The council's cabinet has determined that Wiltshire County Council will charge a fee for complying with requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and s9(a) of the Data Protection Act 1998. In making this decision, it has balanced the need to be transparent and accountable to the public against the need to be responsible in its use of resources.
Table of charges
- The hourly rate for officer or contractor time is £25
- The cost of photocopying and printing is 10p per page. Double sided pages are charged at 20p per page
- The cost of postage will be the estimated actual cost of postage
- All other charges (e.g. CD-ROMS, video tapes) will be charged at actual cost
Payment is made by cheque payable to Wiltshire County Council. We cannot accept cash payments.
Eligibility
There are no eligibility requirements for this service.
Contact Details
By Post
Corporate Standards Team
Wiltshire County Council
County Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8JN
By Email
foi@wiltshire.gov.uk
By Telephone
01225 713643
By Fax
01225 713145
| A to Z Names | Environmental information regulations, Environmental information regulations |
|---|---|
| Keywords | undefined |
| PID No. | 879 |
| IPSV Category | Environmental impact assessment |
| Level 1 Name | Environmental information regulations |
| IPSV ID | 3160 |
