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Freedom of Information

The Council is subject to The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“Act”) and The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (“EIR”).

As part of the Council’s duties under the Act or EIR, it may be required to disclose information concerning the procurement process or the Contract to anyone who makes a reasonable request.

If Tenderers consider that any of the information provided in their Tender is commercially sensitive (meaning it could reasonably cause prejudice to the organisation if disclosed to a third party) then it should be clearly marked as "Not for disclosure to third parties” together with valid reasons in support of the information being exempt from disclosure under the Act and the EIR.

The Council will endeavour to consult with Tenderers and have regard to comments and any objections before it releases any information to a third party under the Act or the EIR however the Council shall be entitled to determine in its absolute discretion whether any information is exempt from the Act and/or the EIR, or is to be disclosed in response to a request of information.  The Council must make its decision on disclosure in accordance with the provisions of the Act or the EIR and can only withhold information if it is covered by an exemption from disclosure under the Act or the EIR.

The Council will not be held liable for any loss or prejudice caused by the disclosure of information that;

  • has not been clearly marked as "Not for disclosure to third parties" with supporting reasons (referring to the relevant category of exemption under the Act or EIR where possible); or
  • does not fall into a category of information that is exempt from disclosure under the Act or EIR (for example, a trade secret or would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of any person); and
  • in cases where there is no absolute statutory duty to withhold information, then notwithstanding the previous clauses, in circumstances where it is in the public interest to disclose any such information.
Freedom of information request