Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 gives the public 'a general right of access' to recorded information held by all public authorities.

Publication Scheme

We already make a great deal of information available, by publishing it or allowing people to inspect it.

Our Publication Scheme (pdf, 312kb) provides a guide to the current information we routinely publish. It aims to help you understand what information is already available, how to access it and whether or not a charge applies. If you cannot find a reference to the information you want in our Publication Scheme or by searching our website, you will need to ask us for it.

Freedom of information requests are only for information not routinely available

If you require simple information, contact the department concerned. For environmental information, including details of site investigations and remedial works, location of former landfill sites, pollution incident records and details of private water supplies, email environmental.health@southderbyshire.gov.uk.

Making a FOI request

Before making an FOI request, please visit our ‘frequently asked FOI’s page to see if the data you are looking for is already available online.

If the data you are looking for is not available, and you still wish to make a request for information under FOI legislation, the request can be made online.

Make an FOI request
Alternatively, email your FOI requests to FOI@southderbyshire.gov.uk or post to the following address:

Freedom of Information Officer 
South Derbyshire District Council 
Civic Offices 
Civic Way 
Swadlincote 
Derbyshire 
DE11 0AH

Please state 'Freedom of Information' at the top of your letter or email.

We must respond to requests within 20 working days

What information is exempt from disclosure?

There are 23 exemptions where information does not have to be provided. These fall into two categories:

  1. Qualified exemptions: This is where we look at whether the public interest is weighted in favour of giving the information requested. Where this is found to be the case, the information will be given.
  2. Absolute exemptions: Absolute exemptions are unconditional. This could include information that is accessible by other means or information that was provided to the Council in confidence.

Refused requests

We will tell the applicant why we have turned down the request, quoting any relevant exemptions. The applicant then has a right of appeal, initially under our Freedom of Information Complaints Procedure.

If after the appeal, the information is still not disclosed, the applicant can ask the Information Commissioner’s Office to review the decision.