Publication Scheme
Last updated | 26/08/2008
This is the Publication Scheme for Perth and Kinross Council in terms of Section 23 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. The purpose of this publication scheme is to let you know what sort of information is readily available from us. The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 requires Perth and Kinross Council, as a local authority, to have a publication scheme that sets out the information we routinely make available to the public. In May 2004 the Scottish Information Commissioner approved our scheme:
Our publication scheme:
- Sets out the classes of information which we publish or intend to publish
- Says how we will publish the information in each class; and
- Says if we will provide the information free or charge for it.
In adopting (or reviewing) our publication scheme, we are required to have regard to the public interest in:
- Allowing public access to information we hold; and
- The publication of reasons for the decisions we make.
In preparing to meet our obligations under the FOI Act, including the drawing up of this publication scheme, we have been mindful of the value of openness and transparency.
Putting our Publication Scheme Together
A corporate publications audit was conducted between October 2003 and January 2004 to review the type, and quantity, of publications within the Council. The results of this audit has formed the basis of our scheme.
The classes of information that have been identified cover information that we are already asked for, or that we feel is in the interest of the public:
We are keen to ensure the contents of our publication scheme reflect the needs and expectations of the public. Because of the time constraints for approval by the Scottish Information Commissioner, it has not been possible to carry out a survey of the public expectations of our publication scheme. We will, however, develop and amend our publication scheme in response to requests for information that may not have been anticipated or to changing expectations and demands.
Obtaining Information from Perth & Kinross Council
Information can be requested from the Freedom of Information (FOI) Team. You may write to, email or telephone the Team using the details below:
Freedom of Information Team
Perth & Kinross Council
Carpenter House
Carpenter Street
Perth PH1 5LZ
Tel: 01738 477933
Fax: 01738 477939
Email: foi@pkc.gov.uk
If writing or emailing for information, please include the following details: Your name, address and information about the documents you would like to see.
If telephoning for information, please provide full contact details including a telephone number, so that we can telephone you to clarify any details, if necessary.
Format of Information
Perth and Kinross Council aspires to have as much information as possible available for viewing and/or downloading from the Council Website. Some information is already available on the Website, and it is our intention to add more information over time. The 'availability' section of this scheme explains the format which the publication is currently available in.
Our Archiving Policy
Perth and Kinross Council has adopted the draft Document Retention Schedule produced jointly by the Archivists in Scottish Local Authorities Working Group ( ASLAWG) and the Society of Local Authority Lawyers and Administrators in Scotland ( SOLAR). This schedule outlines the length of time documents are held for and the action taken when that period expires.
Copyright
Different bodies might own the copyright of material contained in our scheme:
Perth and Kinross Council copyright material
For the majority of material in the scheme, the copyright is owned by the Council and the material can be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium for research, private study or for internal circulation within an organisation. This is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and not being used in a misleading context. Where material is being republished or copied to others, the source of the material must be identified and our copyright acknowledged.
Other copyrighted material
Some material we include in our scheme may be the copyright of a third party. Our rights to hold and use such material do not extend to others. You must obtain authorisation from the copyright holder (s) concerned if you wish to copy or reproduce such material.
Charging Policy
Most of the information listed within our publication scheme will be made available free of charge.
Exceptions to this are identified in the 'Charges' column in the 'Availability' section. This means that you will be charged for some publications within that class, either because we have a statutory duty to do so, because we already charge for supplying this information, or because they are originals for sale (e.g. postcards or prints).
Feedback and comments
Questions, feedback and comments on the publication scheme are welcomed. The aim of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 is to promote greater openness by public authorities, so it is important that this scheme meets your needs. We welcome suggestions for additional classes of information that could be included. We also welcome suggestions as to how the publications themselves might be improved.
If you have a query or comment about this publication scheme, the information available, or information held by the Council generally, please contact the Freedom of Information Team at the address shown under 'obtaining information from Perth & Kinross Council'.
Categories of Information
The scheme has been divided into 'categories' and 'sub-categories' to ensure the scheme is easy to understand and to enable you to find classes of information quickly.
The Council publishes, or intends to publish, information under the following broad categories
- Benefits and Advice
- People, Living and the Community
- News
- The Council
- Housing
- Business
- The Environment
- Roads and Transport
- Planning and Building Control
- Leisure and Culture
- Jobs and Careers
- Education and Learning
- Emergencies and Accidents
- Health and Social Care
Classes of Information
Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, our publication scheme must say what classes, or broad types, of information the Council already publishes or intends to publish. We aim to publish as much information as possible about our work through the scheme. However, it should be noted that not all information held by the Council is covered by the scheme.
The Act came into force on 1 January 2005 and provides a general right of access to information held by public authorities. After this date individuals have the right to ask the Council to provide any information it holds. Some information may not be made available because the Act exempts some categories of information from the general right of access. This may be where we consider that disclosure may seriously prejudice law enforcement, legal proceedings or our regulatory or enforcement activity or where the disclosure is otherwise prohibited by law. We may also withhold information which is personal information under the Data Protection Act.
