The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities.  It also  sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on public authorities.  The implementation of this Act took force on 1 January 2005.

Any person who makes a request to a public authority for information must be informed whether the public authority holds that information.   And, subject to some exemptions, they must be supplied with that information.

Individuals already have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act of 1998.  As far as public authorities are concerned, the Freedom of Information extends the right to allow public access to all types of information held.

Every public authority is required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme setting out classes of information it holds, the manner in which it intends to publish the information, and whether a charge will be made for the information.  The purpose of a scheme is to ensure a significant amount of information is available, without the need for a specific request.  Schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish some information proactively and to develop a greater culture of openness.

The Council adopted the Model Publications Scheme (core and optional classes) in May 2004. This Scheme is reviewed and updated annually by the Council.

Barnoldswick Town Council fully supports the aims of the Act and will make available not only minimum information required by the Act but also optional classes, where applicable.  Copies of the Council's model publication scheme are available, free of charge, upon request.  All information listed on this Scheme is available for inspection at the Council Office, by appointment with the Town Clerk.  A list of publications available can be found here. 

Download a copy of Barnoldswick Town Council's Freedom of Information Publications Scheme.  Please note that this document is in Word format and you will need Microsoft Word to open it.  If you do not have Microsoft Word please visit our Publications page for information on how to view the document at the Council Office.