Publication scheme
We are committed to being open and transparent about how we work. Our publication scheme sets out the information we routinely make available to the public, in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a general right of access to recorded information held by public authorities. It sets out some exemptions from that right and places a number of duties on public authorities, including the requirement to routinely publish information through a publication scheme.
From 1 January 2009, the Council adopted the Information Commissioner’s model publication scheme for unitary authorities. Many of the enquiries we receive can be answered by referring to existing documents. A large number of these are gathered together in our publication scheme and open data catalogue.
What the publication scheme includes
The publication scheme must include:
- what information we publish, or intend to publish, routinely
- how and when we publish it
- whether the information is available free of charge or for a fee
The purpose of the scheme is to make more information available to the public without the need for a specific request, and to support openness across local government.
‘Publication’ is not limited to printed documents. For the purpose of this scheme, we include:
- information on our website
- printed documents, including internal policies and procedures
- electronic files, such as spreadsheets
- reports
- newspapers and magazines
- leaflets
The scheme covers information held by Swindon Borough Council. It does not apply to any other public body.
Grouping the information into classes
The Freedom of Information Act requires local authorities using the model scheme to group published information into the following classes:
- Class 1 – Who we are and what we do
- Class 2 – What we spend and how we spend it
- Class 3 – What our priorities are and how we are doing
- Class 4 – How we make decisions
- Class 5 – Our policies and procedures
- Class 6 – Lists and registers
Browse the publication scheme
You can browse the publication scheme by class using the links above. This will take you to the formal records of publication, with links to the relevant documents. The open data catalogue shares a similar purpose in promoting openness and transparency.
You can also search the publication scheme and open data catalogue to find specific information.
Information published on our website
Most of the information we publish is available free of charge through our website. You can download, copy or print it unless otherwise stated.
Our website has been designed to be easy to use, with a clear structure and layout that helps you find the information you need. It includes a built-in search function, which means individuals and organisations should be able to locate published information without difficulty.
We also link to other websites that provide more detailed information about specific council services. These websites may be used to publish a wide range of documents.
Publications in other formats
Some publications, such as printed leaflets, are available free of charge from Customer Services.
Other publications may involve a charge. Where charges apply, this will be clearly indicated on the relevant webpage. For more details about charges and payment methods, contact Customer Services.
Complaints
If you have a complaint about the way the Council is handling your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, you should in the first instance make a complaint to the Council. We have a formal procedure for dealing with complaints relating to this.
It is unlikely that your complaint would be considered by the Information Commissioner unless you have first completed the Council’s own complaints process.
If you remain dissatisfied, you can escalate your complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office using the details below:
- Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF - Phone: 01625 545700
- Main switchboard - ask for Freedom of Information
- Email: mail@ico.org.uk
Comments and feedback
We welcome comments or suggestions to help improve the content of the scheme or how the information is accessed:
If the information you need is not included in our publication scheme, you can make a Freedom of Information request.