Freedom of Information
West Midlands Councils is not bound by the Freedom of Information Act 2000. However it is our policy to be as open and transparent about our work as possible, by making as much information as possible, publicly available. The Library section of this website will contain all our published information. We will disclose recorded information held by the organisation, subject to a range of exemptions. A full list of exemptions can be found at the Ministry of Justice website or the Information Commissioner's website.
We will usually respond within 20 working days of receipt of written requests. If we are not able to meet that deadline, for good reason, we will keep the applicant informed. If there are any sensitivities associated with the request we will provide as much information as possible and explain why certain information has been withheld. If the request actually relates to another organisation or contact we have worked with; we will forward the request to them and inform the applicant of this.
We may charge for information where the cost of complying with the request in staff time and photocopying charges exceeds £450. We will inform the applicant of this charge before the work is undertaken.
The main categories of information that West Midlands Councils makes available to members of the public are listed below.
- Governance and Member information. Includes Constitution, membership etc
- Corporate information. Includes: Code of conduct for members, details about the register of members' interests, Finances, Staffing Information.
- Events and Meeting information. Includes information about meetings and events, agendas, meeting papers and minutes.
- Publications and Reports: includes newsletters, strategy documents and reports on specific topics
Freedom of Information requests should be sent to the Freedom of Information Officer, by email foi@wmcouncils.gov.uk or by post to Freedom of Information Officer, West Midlands Councils, The Partnership Centre, Albert House, Quay Place, Edward St, Birmingham, B1 2RA.
You can see more information about the Act itself on the Information Commissioner's website: www.ico.gov.uk.