There are strict regulations on what data we can collect and store, how we can use and process the data, who we are allowed to share with, and who we must pass data to when ordered to do so. Many requests for information are dealt with in the normal course of business. Please look at the Publication Scheme and Guide to Information to see if the information your require is publicly available under the scheme. You have the right to request information from us; we must reply to you within strict timescales giving you the information you asked for, or tell you why we cannot give the details because it is exempt.
However, if you require information and you specifically want your request considered under the Data Protection or Freedom of Information Acts it will be useful if you specify this in your requests.
Data Protection
St Albans City & District Council is registered under the Data Protection Acts 1984 and 1998.
The Acts allow us to hold and process personal data. No personal data is obtained from this site without your knowledge or permission. Any information which is voluntarily submitted, either by email or through online forms, will only be used for the purpose for which it is intended and will not be disclosed to any third party. Information which you provide us with, may be used for statistical analysis but will not be used in any way (other than for its original purpose) that enables you to be identified. A fee of £10 is charged for Data Protection Act (Section 7) requests and we required to respond within 40 calendar days.
Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 gives a statutory right of access to all information held by public authorities, subject to some exemptions. We are required to respond within 20 working days. You will receive an acknowledgement stating the deadline for our response.
The Act is designed to make public bodies more open, accessible and accountable and impacts the way that public bodies respond to requests for information.
The Act provides the public with two new rights:
Under FOI, anyone, anywhere can request information about the Council and it's business. The only stipulation is that a Freedom of Information request should be received in writing (this could be a fax, email or letter). We advise that you specifically refer to the Freedom of Information Act.
Requests can be made to access any information held by the Council. This could be information held in an official report, a briefing document, emails, fax or even notes. The information can be about the Council's current business, or for previous years.
The Freedom of Information Act recognises that there are valid reasons for withholding some information in response to a request. The Act details situations in which information is considered exempt. Unless information is covered by an exemption, it must be released if requested.
The timescale for response may pause if the Council needs to seek clarification regarding the nature of the request or if the work involved will exceeds 18 hours. If the work involved exceed 18 hours there will be a charge. In either event you will be contacted.
Making a request for information
If you are unable to find the information you are looking for within the Council's Publication Scheme, please either complete the Freedom of Information eform, or the request form below providing as much detail as possible, to enable us to identify and locate the information requested. Send the completed form to:
Customer Services
St Albans District Council
Civic Centre
St Peters Street
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 3JE
Email
foi@stalbans.gov.uk
To view the Council's replies to requests for information.
To view replies to requests for information received by the St. Albans City and District Council view the disclosure log of responses made since 24 August 2009
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Further information can be obtained from the ICO website