Freedom of Information Overview

The Freedom of Information Act gives you the right to request official information held by public authorities, unless there are good reasons to keep it confidential.

It aims to make public sector bodies more open and accountable. It also helps people to understand better how public authorities carry out their duties, why they make the decisions they do and how they spend public money.

For more details, read the Freedom of Information Act.

View the Freedom of Information Policy (PDF).

How are we doing

We publish our performance figures quarterly in line with best practice guidance published in the Freedom of Information Code of Practice.

Before you make a request

Before sending your request, please check whether we already publish the information you are asking for, as information accessible by other means is exempt from release under the Act.

Information on planning applications may be found through our Planning Online webpage.

Some information may not be held by Ipswich Borough Council but may instead be found through Suffolk County Council, for example:

  • Schools/education
  • Adult social care
  • Highways
  • Street Lighting
  • Trading standards

Making a request

All Freedom of Information requests must be made in writing. A request can be submitted via letter, email or using our online form. You will need to include:

  • Your name
  • A valid contact address (postal or email)
  • A clear description of the information you wish to obtain
  • Any format preferences

FOI requests can be made:

Please be as specific as possible with your request. If we do not have enough details to find the information, we may contact you for further clarification.

It is our duty to provide advice and guidance to help you be precise in your request.

Response time

We have 20 working days to respond to each FOI request from the day after it is received.

Charges

The Council will charge the full cost for disbursements such as copying and printing, although it will not charge a fee for collating information up to a cost ceiling of £450.

A fees notice will be sent to you that will put a hold on the 20 days for responding to your initial request until the fee is paid. If after three months the fee is unpaid, it will be assumed that you no longer require the information.

Refusals

A request for information may be refused if:

  • It is vexatious or repeated
  • We have asked for further information and it has not been provided
  • Requested fees have not been paid
  • The request falls under an exemption

If you are not satisfied with the way we handle your request for information you may ask for an internal review by writing to the Monitoring Officer, Grafton House 15-17 Russell Road Ipswich IP1 2DE.

If you are not content with the outcome of this review, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. 

The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

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