Submit an information request

Find out how to submit an information request and what happens afterwards.

Types of information requests

Depending on the type of information you ask for, information requests are dealt with under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) or the Data Protection Act 2018.

You can ask that any information held by us that has not already been published available to you.

We only provide information that we hold in recorded form. Opinions or recollections that aren’t written down aren’t covered. We don’t have to create new information to answer requests and some types may be exempt from disclosure.

Before you submit an information request, you can see the information that we already publish:

Subject Access Requests

Subject Access Requests (SAR) are covered with under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data protection Act 2018.

To make a SAR you need to include:

  • your name
  • a clear description of the information being requested
  • proof of ID such as a driving licence, passport or council tax bill.

You can make a request, but there may be exemptions that mean we may not be able to give you some or all the information requested.

Making a SAR or information request

Depending on the type of information you want to ask for, you can ask for:

Or you can write to us at: Information Governance, Corporate Governance, Canterbury City Council, 14 Rose Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2UR.

What happens after you submit an information request

We will reply in writing, acknowledging your request and to either:

  • give you the information
  • let you know that clarification is needed, or
  • let you know that we cannot provide it and why

We will also give you your rights in relation to the request and what to do if you are unhappy with the response.

All valid requests and responses will also be published online.