Freedom of Information publication scheme

Local authorities must publish information proactively. The Freedom of Information Act requires every public authority to have a publication scheme, approved by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), and to publish information covered by the scheme.

The scheme must set out your commitment to make certain classes of information routinely available, such as policies and procedures, minutes of meetings, annual reports and financial information.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires the Council to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme setting out the 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. It is not a list of all the publications produced or held by the Council. It is intended as a directory of the "classes", groups or categories of information routinely available to the public and how to obtain further information. It is important to note, however, that whilst Surrey Heath Borough Council holds and makes available literature produced by other organisations such as charities and central government, the Council does not publish it and its availability will be outside the Council's control.

If you cannot find the information you want in the Publication Scheme you can make a Freedom of Information request.