URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1898

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To approve the Freedom of Information Policy / Framework

Content: The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulation 2004 (EIR) Policy ensured that the Council had a comprehensive framework to manage requests for information, which were compliant with statutory obligations and promoted transparency across all services.  FOI / EIR requests provided a statutory right of access to information held by public authorities and the Council was required to respond to requests for information in accordance with these laws.   The updated Policy, attached at Appendix A to the report formalised the Council’s procedures for handling FOI / EIR requests, replaced current processes and aligned with best practice guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).  It focused on data governance, improved the Council’s current position, aligned with key themes within the Council Plan and would aid readiness for Local Government Reorganisation.   Cabinet was pleased to note that because of new procedures being introduced by the Data Protection Officer, improvements had been made to the Council’s response times which would be reflected in the next set of Key Performance Indicator data.  A new FOI software package was also being rolled out that would further improve processing, coupled with a publication scheme that could reduce the number of FOIs further.     Cabinet was supportive of the new Policy and agreed it would reduce the risk of reputational damage, complaints and enforcement action from the ICO.  It was also recommended that delegated authority be granted to the Data Protection Officer, in consultation with the relevant Senior Information Risk Owner and Head of Service, to make any minor amendments to the Policy, as required.     RECOMMENDED: That:   1)     the proposed Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information Regulation Policy 2004 at Appendix A, be approved and adopted; and   2)     delegated authority be granted to the Data Protection Officer, in consultation with the relevant Senior Information Risk Owner and Head of Service, to authorise minor amendments to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information Regulation Policy 2004, as required by legislative or other procedural changes.

Date of Decision: November 3, 2025