The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 requires all public authorities to adopt and maintain a publication scheme. Under the scheme, the Council can make a significant amount of information publicly available - without the need for someone to specifically request it. The scheme is a description of the classes or types of information published, as well as a list of publications or documents currently available. In addition to the publication scheme, the Council's website contains specially written material aimed at helping make the Council and its services more accessible. Frequently, key documents such as strategies, plans and annual reports are printed and made available at local Libraries and other locations.
If you wish access to information and you have checked that it is not otherwise available, please use the link to submit your FOI request.
The Scottish Information Commissioner is an independent body who enforces Scottish freedom of information laws has provide some advice on how to make a request for information, which can be viewed on their webpage.
If you require the information in a particular format, arrangements can usually be made to have the output presented in large type, on computer disk, and in other formats on request. If English is not your first language translation facilities may be made available.
You will be informed as to whether or not the information requested is actually held, and depending on the nature of your request, you may be presented with a summary, document copies, or an invitation to come and inspect relevant records for yourself. You should receive a response within 20 working days.
Depending on how much work is involved in answering your request there may be a discounted fee to be charged. We would let you know this in advance. Any costs under £100 are borne by the Council. Therefore most requests are likely to be free unless your request is complex or you are seeking a lot of information. You can find out more these charges from the Scottish Information Commissioners website.
The main service route to information is through the Council's website. For those without on-going private access to the internet, the Library Service offers public access to computers, and a counter service. The Library Service will advise on any relevant charges.
For direct access to records, and the supply of information copies, there may be a specific charge. (The publication scheme identifies some of the categories where a charge applies).
The publication scheme can also be provided in hardcopy format available on request and is free of charge. This can be requested either through the Library Service or at reception at Kilncraigs. Once we have received your request we will endeavour to have a copy sent within 3 working days.
If you are in any doubt, please contact the Council Service concerned for guidance, or e-mail us at foi@clacks.gov.uk or use the contact details below.
Senior Governance Officer, FOI
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: foi@clacks.gov.uk