What to do if you are unhappy with an FOI or EIR response
If you'd like us to take another look at a response we've made to a Freedom of Information or Environmental Information Regulations request you have submitted, email us on freedom@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk. We will then follow the process below.
Stage 1: Informal review
This should be fairly straightforward to resolve. It might include you:
- raising an issue or concern you have with the information you have received
- expecting something in addition to what you have received
- being unsure of the timescales involved in sending the information and expecting it to arrive sooner
In these cases the Information Governance Team is responsible for replying to you and making you aware of the next stage in the process. You should expect a response within 10 working days.
Stage 2: Formal internal review
If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome at stage 1, you can ask for a formal internal review.
The review will not be led by the officer who dealt with the original decision, although it may be necessary to consult with them as part of this process. It will be referred to someone with the appropriate level of seniority and expertise.
To request a formal internal review you will need to email us at freedom@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk within 40 days of the date of our response to your initial request.
You should include:
- the request reference number
- the nature of the complaint
- how you expect the situation to be resolved
- your address for communication purposes
We will write to you with the findings of the review as soon as possible but in any event within 20 working days of the request for a review being received if your request was processed under the Freedom of Information Act, or 40 working days if your request was processed under the Environmental Information Regulations.
If there are likely to be any delays in meeting this deadline, you will be informed straight away.
When writing with the council’s decision, the person conducting the review will advise you of your right to complain to the Information Commissioner if you are not satisfied with the outcome.