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Freedom of Information

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The Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides the general right of access to information which Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority holds.

One of the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is that public authorities should be clear and proactive about the information they will make public.

To do this, the Service has produced a Publication Scheme, setting out:

  • The classes of information which are published or intended to be published
  • The manner in which the information will be published

Some information that the Service holds may not be made public (exempt information), for example, information about national security, discipline records or litigation records.

A full copy of the Act is available here: Freedom of Information Act 2000.

What information do we publish?

The Publication Scheme explains what information we routinely make available:

1. Who we are and what we do

Organisational information, locations and contacts, general outline of responsibilities.

2. What we spend and how we spend it

Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, statement of accounts, staff pay scales and procurement procedures.

3. What our priorities are and how we are doing

Strategy and performance information, business plans, audits and assessments, inspections and reviews.

4. How we make decisions

Agendas and approved minutes of the Fire Authority and its sub-committees, decision-making processes and public consultations.

5. Our policies and procedures

Current written procedures for provision of services, the conduct of authority business and the employment of staff.

6. Lists and registers

Information held in registers on the Authority's assets, member's Interests and gift and hospitality registers.

7. The services we offer

Regulatory responsibilities and procedures, advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, media releases and latest events.

Requesting other information

If you require any information that is not routinely published or you are unable to find the information on our website, you can make a Freedom of Information request.

To apply you must provide your name and contact address (either postal or e-mail) and give us a full description of the information you want, so that we can locate it for you as soon as possible. You do not have to state why you are requesting the information.

You may send your request either:

  • By post to:
    Information Governance
    Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service
    Hindlip Park
    Worcester
    WR3 8SP

All requests will be acknowledged on receipt and you will receive a reply within 20 working days.

Making a Complaint

If you feel that you have not received the information you requested you may raise a concern or make a complaint. In the first instance, please e-mail us at ccc@hwfire.org.uk or contact us by post at the above address.

Your complaint will be dealt with under the Service's complaints procedure – your concern will be acknowledged within 3 working days and replied to in writing within 10 working days of receipt of your complaint. Your request will be looked at again and reviewed by a Senior Manager who was not involved in replying to your initial request.

Look at our complaints process in full.

Taking it further

If you are still not satisfied with the outcome of the internal assessment, you have the right to appeal directly to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for resolution. The ICO is the UK's independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals and may be contacted at the following address:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Tel:
0303 123 1113 (local rate)

Email:
casework@ico.org.uk