The Freedom of Information Act (FOI Act) came into force on 1 January 2005. The Act gives a right of public access to all recorded information held by Oxfordshire County Council, unless an exemption from release applies.
The act is retrospective, so recorded information dating from before 1 January 2005 is also open to the public.
If you’ve got a question about anything to do with local government, we’ll always try to help. There’s already all sorts of information available to you, whether it’s on our website, in the local library or in leaflets and brochures. There’s not much we don’t share.
But sometimes you may want to make a special request. The Freedom of Information Act gives you the right to access official information held by the council.
It might be about planning, environmental policy, local developments, or how schools and social services are run – anything at all. Just let us know in writing, informing us of the nature of your request, and your name and address, and we will respond within 20 working days.
Occasionally we might not be able to release certain information such as commercially sensitive or personal information, but we’ll always release what we can. We hold lots of information, whether it’s in the form of records, agendas, memos, reports or minutes. And we’ll do our best to help find the information you want. All you have to do is ask.
Oxfordshire County Council has adopted the model publication scheme prepared and approved by the Information Commissioner. It has been adopted without modification and is valid until further notice.
However, please be aware that some information may also be withheld because it is covered by the Data Protection Act. Please see the link on the right for more information about data protection.
How do I make a complaint or appeal a decision?
If you are unhappy with a decision made by the council in response to your request for information you can apply for an internal review of the decision.
If you remain dissatisfied then your appeal can be taken to the Information Commissioner's Office.
We are always happy to receive any comments or suggestions that you have on the way the council provides information. If you would like to make a recommendation please send us your comments using the contact details on the right.
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