Frequently Asked Questions : Cumbria County Council

The Council can add to the model without gaining approval from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Any deletions made to the model scheme require the approval of the ICO. Deletions to the scheme would only be considered for approval in exceptional circumstances.

Will the publication scheme be available on the Council's website?

The model scheme adopted by the Council will be publicised on the Council’s website (www.cumbria.gov.uk). It will be located in the Access to Information section and fully searchable using the AtoZ function.

Will I have to access the Council's information through the publication scheme?

No. Users will be able to access information that the Council routinely produces without needing to know about a publication scheme. Users should be able to access information through the Council’s website or by contacting the Council by phone, email, letter or in person.

What if I want a hard copy (paper) version of the publication scheme?

The Council will publish the scheme on its website and provide it in hard copy when requested. The Council will provide a Guide to Information giving examples of the types of information to be found in the Publication Scheme.

Can the Council provide all the information contained within the Guide to Information?

Because the Council routinely publishes large amounts of information, giving an applicant all the information in the guide within five working days may be unrealistic. Technically, an applicant is entitled to all the information the Council makes routinely available, but it is reasonable for the Council to provide it over an appropriate period of time, proportionate to the amount of information. The Council will normally contact the applicant to explain the difficulty, to give a timetable for release and an indication of any costs that may be incurred.

Does the Council have to use the structure proposed by the Information Commissioner?

The definition documents published by the ICO are a starting point for the Council to compile its own guide to information. The information in the definition documents has been compiled by working with sectoral contacts and representative bodies and by considering the information currently provided. The ICO regards the information as relevant, in the public interest and linked to good business practice and high-quality customer service. However, it is accepted in certain circumstances, some information can legitimately be omitted, for example if it there is not a business need for it, or if it is exempt under law.