Schedule of Charges

We can provide the public with information under three main areas of legislation:

1. The Freedom of Information Act 2000
2. Environmental Information Regulations 2004

The charges we will make for providing information under the above legislation are set out below. They reflect current statutory requirements and guidance.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000

We do not charge for processing requests under the Freedom of Information Act, providing that the cost of processing does not exceed the statutory limit of £450. This allows for 18 hours (two and-a-half-days) of time at a rate of £25 per hour. When estimating how long it will take to process a request we take into account the time it will take us to locate, retrieve and extract the information requested.

We reserve the right to refuse a request where the estimated cost of processing exceeds £450. However, before refusing a request on this basis, we will give you an opportunity to refine your request and look at other ways of providing the information so that your request does not exceed the statutory limit.

Where we agree to process a request which exceeds the statutory limit of £450, you will be asked to pay our processing costs at a rate of £25 per hour.

Disbursements

Any disbursements associated with processing your request are payable in all cases. Examples of disbursements include the costs of postage, reproducing the information and printing. See the table below for our Disbursements Charges.

Making More than One Request

For the purpose of calculating the statutory limit, where we receive two or more requests, within 60 days of each other, from an individual or group of individuals who appear to us to be acting together or in pursuance of a campaign, we may be entitled to aggregate the costs of processing those requests.

Environmental Information Regulations

In dealing with requests for information under the Environmental Information Regulations, we are entitled to charge a reasonable amount towards the cost of reproducing the information for you in the format you have requested. Our standard charges for reproducing information are set out in the table below.

We will ask for payment before we process your request and in accordance with the law you will have 60 working days to pay.  However, the Council takes a flexible approach to this part of the law and so if you think you might need longer to pay please get in touch with us for advice.

Refusing a Request for Environmental Information

We may refuse a request where the cost of processing is unreasonable. For example, where processing would place an unreasonable burden upon the Council, either in terms of officer time or the costs of reproducing the information sought.    However, before refusing a request on this basis we will give you an opportunity to refine the request so that the information you need can be provided within reasonable limits.

In determining if the cost of processing your request is unreasonable we may have regard to the statutory limit for processing requests under the Freedom of Information Act. This means that if we estimate that the cost of processing your request exceeds £450 then we reserve the right to refuse your request. This allows for 18 hours (two and-a-half-days) of time at a rate of £25 per hour.

Waiver of Costs

In exceptional cases we may waive the charges for producing information. Each application is considered on its own individual circumstances.

Table of Disbursement Charges

For Requests for information under Freedom of Information Act 2000; Environmental information Regulations 2004 and Data Protection Act 1998

Photocopying Costs

• Requests involving the copying and hand colouring of a coloured map or plan will incur additional variable charges. Please ask about costs at the time of making your request.

• Where Applicant requests material to be sent by 'Signed For' and 'Special Delivery', these additional costs to be met my Applicant.