Environmental information regulations

The council has a statutory duty to provide the public with access to the information it holds on the environment.  

These updated regulations came into force in 2005 and brought them in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 which also came into force then.

This change means that you can fulfil your right to be informed about the environment, so that you will be able to participate effectively in environmental decision-making; and have access to justice in law with regard to public decisions that have been made.

Obtaining the information

The Environmental Health team regularly receives enquiries from members of the public about the environment, either in general terms, or with particular regard to an area of land.

While the request will no longer need to be in writing, it does help the council to ensure that the correct information is provided. Where a request cannot be made in writing, for whatever reason, the council will make every reasonable attempt to give the applicant appropriate assistance in making their request.

The timescale for providing the information requested is 20 working days. This refers to the time between receiving the request and posting the information. However, if there is a charge for the information, then the 20 working days will begin once the payment has been received.

Environmental health charge

Historical land use enquiry charges are currently £60 for enquiries. Full details can be found on the contaminated land pages here.

A general enquiry charge is available for small miscellaneous enquiries where an hourly rate will apply.

Making a complaint

Where an applicant is of the opinion that the council has not dealt with their request in accordance with the Regulations, they have the right to make a complaint to the Council following the Council's complaints procedure If the applicant is not satisfied with the decision reached by the Council following the complaint procedure the applicant may take their complaint to the Information Commissioner.

Provision has been made within the Regulations for the Commissioner to take punitive action against a local authority who does not comply with the Regulations. The Regulations also make provision for the local authority to appeal against an enforcement decision.

Environmental Information Regulations