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Freedom of Information

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, anyone can make a request to the council for information, and they must be:

informed of whether the council holds that information
supplied with that information (subject to exemptions) within 20 working days following receipt of the request.

Before making a request, you must check that:

The information isn't already available anywhere on this website. The open data section may contain the information you need. You can also use the search function or browse the site to find the information.
The information isn't contained in our publication scheme.

To find out more about FOIs, you can read the Public Information and Requests Policy.

Making an FOI request

Setting out your request

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Your request should clearly set out the information you want.

Be clear

If we aren't sure what you want, we'll have to ask you for further clarification, which will delay your request.

Be precise

In some cases your request may be refused if it would be too expensive or time consuming for us to deal with.

Do not ask for opinions

Freedom of Information disclosures only apply to factual information we hold - describing something is a matter of opinion or interpretation, and isn't classed as information held.

Say how you'd prefer to receive the information

For example, electronically or as a hard copy (if available).

Good examples of FOI requests

How much did the council spend on refurbishing its offices in the financial year 2010/2011?
Please send me your policies and internal guidelines on customer services, and a copy of your complaints procedure.

Bad examples of FOI requests

Please send me information on the refurbishment of the office.
Why does the council seem to think it is acceptable to treat its customers badly?

Make a request

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Please read the FOI guidance notes before making a request.

Make an FOI request

If you're struggling to use the online form, you can send an email to foi@middlesbrough.gov.uk or download a request form and send it to the following address:

Information Requests Team
Middlesbrough Council
Governance, Policy, and Information
PO Box 500
Middlesbrough
TS1 9FT

If you have any queries before you submit your information request, please contact the Information Requests Team on 01642 729696 or 01642 729698.

Outcome of your request

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If you're not happy with the outcome of your request, you can ask for an internal review within 40 days of receiving the response.

Internal reviews will be carried out by the Governance and Information Manager, who will not have been involved in your initial request. A response will be provided within 20 working days, or 40 working days in exceptional circumstances.

To request an internal review, please email foi@middlesbrough.gov.uk or write to:

Ann-Marie Johnstone
Head of Governance, Policy, and Information
PO Box 500
Middlesbrough
TS1 9FT

Personal information

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You should not use a Freedom of Information request to find out what personal information the council holds about you. You'll need to use a Subject Access Request form, available under the Data Protection Act 1998. This request is also subject to certain exemptions.

Find out more about Subject Access Requests on the your data protection rights page.