Freedom of information
Summary
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives the public a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, sets out exemptions from that right. The information handled by the SDC is covered by the act. The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and Data Protection Act 1998 are applicable in some situations.
The information below demonstrates the Sustainable Development Commission’s commitment to both word and spirit of this legislation, to demonstrate compliance with the legislation and provide details of the information held by SDC and available to the public.
Information you can access online
All our reports are accessible via our website – see publications. The information ranges from consultant reports, consultation responses, case studies, newsletters, speeches, articles and press releases. The minutes of our four annual plenary meetings are also available.
You will find operational information about the Commission, including the SDC’s business plan, a list of Commissioners and their register of interests, and information on how we are funded under ‘Who we are’.
Charging for information
All publications are free, without charge via the website. Most of our hard copy publications are also free of charge, although we occasionally charge to cover the print and postal costs.
Information is also available via phone, email or via the post – contact us.
General guidance
While we aim to be helpful, we don’t formally offer phone or email advice to the general public. This is particularly the case in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where our staffing presence is still small. For general advice on sustainable development, you may find it easier to get general information by joining our email club – localsustuk – and seeking guidance from the 400+ members of the club.
Dealing with Freedom of Information enquiries
The SDC handles Freedom of Information enquiries itself, taking advice from Defra. Defra's own standards and access to information arrangements also apply. Please see www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/opengov/accessinfo.htm.
If you have a Freedom of Information query, please contact Kay West
What information is not available
Information that is not available to the public includes:
• Personnel records – exempted by Freedom of Information Act which came into force 1.1.05.
• Commercial in Confidence information on registered traders and suppliers of goods.
• Draft documents and papers for discussion, which are still in the process of development.
Note that the Sustainable Development Commission does not comment on individual planning or development projects.
Copy license
Material from SDC publications, documents and research may be reproduced without permission as long as full references are given for each and every use of such material.
» Copy license
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