FOI Request

How do I make a Request for Information using the Freedom of Information Act ?

Thanet Council routinely publishes a great deal of information. You may be able to find the information you need yourself, through the Council's Publication Scheme or elsewhere on our website. However, if you can't find what you want then please make a Request for Information.

How do I request information not covered by the Publication Scheme ?

If you cannot find an item in the Publication Scheme then you can ask us if we hold, and will provide, the information you are looking for.

Requests for information must be made in writing, including e-mails. You must state the name and address of the person applying for the information and the required information. To request information from us you can:

• Request information online
• Download a Request for Information form (PDF 63kb)
• E-mail your request to us at: foi@thanet.gov.uk
• Or send a letter, addressing it to:

• Freedom of Information Request
  Thanet District Council
  PO Box 9, Cecil Street
  Margate
  Kent CT9 1XZ 

How long will you take to answer my request ?

The Council aims to respond to your request within 20 working days from the receipt of your request. If we are unable to do so we will contact you to explain why, or ask for more information to help us complete your request.

What if I want information that is exempted from the Act ?

"Exempt information" means information that Thanet District Council is not obliged to disclose under the Freedom of Information Act. This would include:

• Where publication would harm the effective conduct of public affair
• Where disclosure is prejudicial to criminal proceedings
• Where publication risks the health and safety of an individual
• Where disclosure would compromise commercial interests.
• Personal information relating to either the enquirer or any other individual (You already have the right to see personal information that we hold about you under the Data Protection Act 1998. Any personal information we hold remains as confidential as it has always been). 

Any document in the Publication Scheme that contains information that falls into one of the exempt categories will not be supplied, or will be supplied with the exempt information deleted.

Should we be unable to supply anything you request, we will explain the reasons to you.

Do I need to pay for the information I want? 

Much of the information we publish is free. Sometimes there will be a charge, for instance if the information has been produced for sale, or if you want a number of paper documents.

If the charge is not included on the Publication Scheme then we will inform you of the charge so you can decide if you want us to go ahead with your request.

All items that are on the Thanet District Council website can be viewed free of charge.

Some charges are reviewed annually and may be changed. The current charge for any document in the publication scheme can be obtained from the department that holds the document.

Freedom of Information

E-mail:

foi@thanet.gov.uk