Freedom of Information (FoI)
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FoI) is a law giving people the general right to access recorded information held by public authorities.
Freedom of Information links
- FoI: How to request Information
- FoI: Publication Scheme
- FoI: Charges for information requests
- FoI: Charges for Planning and Building Control information
- Environmental Information Regulations
- FoI: Exemptions and Exceptions
- FoI: The Public Interest Test
The Freedom of Information Act received Royal Assent on 30 November 2000 and came into force on 1 January 2005. From January 2005, any person or body resident in or outside the UK, has the right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, subject only to the limitations imposed by the Act and other legislation.
The legislation is designed to promote greater openness and transparency throughout the public sector and applies to all public authorities, including West Lancashire Borough Council.
The Information Commissioner is independent and as well as ensuring public authorities comply with the Freedom of Information Act, is also responsible for regulating the handling of and access to personal information about individuals under the Data Protection Act 2018 and environmental information under Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
This website acts as our publication scheme and is the first place to look for information. It lists all the general information that is currently made available to the public, with many documents available to download. And, if you can't find what you're looking for, there will be details of how you can get hold of it (and any charges involved) or a relevant officer's contact details who will be able to advise you.
