A publication scheme is a commitment by a public authority to make certain information available, and a guide to how that information can be obtained.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has introduced a model publication scheme that we adopted from 1 September 2013. We are as open as possible and ensure our information is publically available as part of our normal business. This website is the basis of our publication scheme.
The model publication scheme lists the kinds of information we provide divided into seven classes.
These are the classes of information we make available to the public:
Who we are and what we do
This includes organisational information, locations and contacts, constitutional and legal governance, councillor information and election results.
What we spend and how we spend it
This includes financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, procurement, tendering and contracts.
What our priorities are and how we are doing
This includes our corporate plan, corporate operating principles (PDF - 303.51 KB), portfolio plans, economic development plans and performance standards.
How we make decisions
This includes our decision making processes and consultations.
Our policies and procedures
This includes our complaints procedure, internal audit and data protection and freedom of information responsibilities.
Lists and registers
Information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority
The services we offer
Advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, transactions and media releases. A description of the services offered.
The classes of information will not generally include:
- Information the disclosure of which is prevented by law, or exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, or is otherwise properly considered to be protected from disclosure.
- Information in draft form.
- Information that is no longer readily available as it is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is difficult to access for similar reasons.
How will the information be provided?
Most documents are available on our website. You can use our A - Z or the search engine facility on our website.
If direct web access is not possible, you should contact the team or department responsible for the information you are looking for.