Post by SHARK on Apr 21, 2009 21:25:34 GMT 1
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000
Foreword
The Freedom of Information Act received Royal Assent on 30 November 2000. The Act comes into force on 1 January 2005.
The Act gives a general right of access to some types of recorded information held by a ‘Public Authority’. Although Sea Fisheries Committees are not specifically listed they are considered to be public bodies and as such should comply with the legislation.
From 1 January 2005 any person has a right to request details of information held by Sea Fisheries Committees. The request must be in writing and give sufficient detail to identify the information required. The Sea Fisheries Committee must then confirm or deny the existence of the information and, if confirmed, communicate the information to the individual. The right to have access to the information does not entitle the individual to copies of documents.
There may be a fee to cover costs of providing the information.
Certain types of information are exempt from release as follows:
Cost exemption: cost of providing information exceeds £600
Public Interest exemption: National security or information on prosecutions.
Absolute exemptions: the information is already reasonably accessible; court proceedings; data protected; disclosure would breach confidentiality; prohibition by Court order.
Qualified exemptions: information is soon to be published; disclosure is harmful to the U.K. economic interests; involves details of criminal investigations or civil proceedings; prejudice an accident investigation; prejudice health and safety of staff; information is legally privileged.
PUBLICATION SCHEME
Under the legislation every Sea Fisheries Committee is required to adopt a ‘Publication Scheme’. This scheme provides a second mechanism aiding public access to information held by the Committee. The scheme is intended to reduce the burden to public authorities of responding to requests. The scheme sets out the classes or categories of information that Sea Fisheries Committees publish or intend to publish, how the information is made available and whether or not a charge is levied.
Each Sea Fisheries Committee must submit a draft ’Publication Scheme’ to the ‘Information Commissioner’ for approval. There is a strict deadline for ‘remaining public authorities’ including Sea Fisheries Committees which is 1 June 2004. Further information on the process is available at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk/
The NW&NWSFC Publication Scheme is set out below.
NORTH WESTERN & NORTH WALES
SEA FISHERIES COMMITTEE
PUBLICATION SCHEME
Introduction
The North Western & North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee (NW&NWSFC) is a statutory body with responsibilities for the management and conservation of marine resources within an area from Haverigg Point in the north to Cemaes Head in the south, and six miles offshore from the baselines.
The overall aim of the NW&NWSFC is the sustainable management of the marine environment through the regulation, development and protection of fisheries resources. The Committee strives to conduct its business in an open, honest and transparent manner in order to achieve this aim.
This publication scheme (the scheme) is designed to identify and facilitate access to a range of information gathered, held and used by the NW&NWSFC. The scheme will assist in ensuring that the NW&NWSFC complies with the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
The scheme specifies the classes of information that the Committee publishes or intends to publish. The format in which the information is available, either hard copy, by inspection, through appointment or electronically on the designated website and whether or not the information is available free of charge or on payment of a fee.
Some information will be excluded from publication. Where that is the case the reasons for exclusion will be clearly stated. Excluded throughout the scheme is general correspondence sent or received by the Committee and all information relating to private individuals by virtue of it being personal data under the Data Protection Act 1998.
In certain cases a limitation on the age of some documents has been stipulated. This does not necessarily mean that information beyond a date cannot be obtained but it indicates that it is not readily available as a matter of course within the scheme. If original documents are more readily available from an alternative source, details of that source are specified within the scheme.
The Chief Executive is responsible for the management of the scheme. There are two parts to the scheme:
1 Part 1: Sets out the Core Classes of Information
2 Part 2: Describes the availability of this information.
CORE CLASSES OF INFORMATION
The NW&NWSFC has identified the following core classes of information:
o Role, Function and Management of the Committee
o Committee Internal Practice and Procedure
o Employment Practice and Procedure
o Accounts
o Legislation Relevant to the Committee’s Functions
o Statistical Information
If you have an enquiry about a specific information source or have any comments or suggestions write to or e-mail:
Dr. S.M. Atkins, Chief Executive, North Western & North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YY
Tel: +44 (0524) 68745
E-mail: nwnwsfc@lancaster.ac.uk
PUBLICATION SCHEME: CORE CLASSES
1 ROLE, FUNCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE COMMITTEE
Information: Creation, Set-up and Constitution of the Committee
Description: NW&NWSFC – proceedings, powers and environmental responsibilities
Availability: Copies of relevant documents available for inspection from the Committee's Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster. A standard administration charge may be levied to cover photocopying and postage. Any such charge will be specified at the time of the request and will be payable in advance
2 COMMITTEE INTERNAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
2(a) Committee Proceedings
Information: Constitution and minutes of meetings of the Committee, Sub-Committees, Working Groups and Advisory Panels not excluded under the Local Government Act 1972.
Description: Minuted items on reports presented at Committee meetings, Sub-Committees, Working Groups and Advisory Panels not excluded under the Local Government Act 1972.
Availability: Hard copies of Committee minutes since 1890 are available for inspection at the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster. Hard copies of Officers' reports since 1989 are available for inspection at the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster.
Notes: Copies of reports available by prior appointment. A standard administration charge may be levied to cover photocopying and postage. Any such charge will be specified at the time of the request and will be payable in advance
2(b) Health & Safety
Information: Health and Safety Policy and Task Risk Assessments
Description: Detailed statement of duties and responsibilities, risk assessments and arrangements for safety
Availability: Hard copy available for inspection from the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster. A standard administration charge may be levied to cover photocopying and postage. Any such charge will be specified at the time of the request and will be payable in advance
Notes: Reviewed and updated periodically
3 AUDIT AND ACCOUNTS
Information: Statement of Accounts for the NW&NWSFC.
Description: Detailed statement of the Committee’s accounts published annually.
Availability: Hard copy from the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster by prior appointment. A standard administration charge may be levied to cover photocopying and postage. Any such charge will be specified at the time of the request and will be payable in advance
4 LEGISLATION RELEVANT TO THE COMMITTEE’S FUNCTION
4(a) Byelaws
Information: NW&NWSFC Byelaws
Description: Detailed listing of all current NW&NWSFC byelaws and provisions.
Availability: Full copies of byelaws available from NW&NWSFC website (http://www.nwnwsfc.org/), with explanatory information about certain byelaws. Hard copy available free of charge from the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster.
4(b) Public Notices
Information: Public Notices
Description: Information relating to individual Byelaws and other fisheries legislation.
Availability: Notices posted at various public locations throughout the District. Copies also distributed to interested parties and available from fishing tackle shops, harbour master's offices etc.
Copies of all Public Notices available free of charge from the Committee's Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster.
4(c) Legislation
Information: General Fisheries Legislation produced by UK Government, Welsh Assembly Government, and European Community.
Description: Acts, Statutory Instruments, EC Regulations, and explanatory notes and guidelines
Availability: Copies available for inspection at the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster by prior appointment. A standard administration charge may be levied to cover photocopying and postage. Any such charge will be specified at the time of the request and will be payable in advance.
Acts of Parliament can be downloaded and viewed free of charge from the HMSO website www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/. The TSO website www.tso.co.uk/ provides information for hard copy legislation.
5 STATISTICAL AND INFORMATION
Information: Scientific Survey Data
Description: Quantitative data from surveys of various shellfish beds within the District undertaken to inform fisheries management.
Availability: Copies available for inspection at the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster by prior appointment. A standard administration charge may be levied to cover photocopying and postage. Any such charge will be specified at the time of the request and will be payable in advance.
Foreword
The Freedom of Information Act received Royal Assent on 30 November 2000. The Act comes into force on 1 January 2005.
The Act gives a general right of access to some types of recorded information held by a ‘Public Authority’. Although Sea Fisheries Committees are not specifically listed they are considered to be public bodies and as such should comply with the legislation.
From 1 January 2005 any person has a right to request details of information held by Sea Fisheries Committees. The request must be in writing and give sufficient detail to identify the information required. The Sea Fisheries Committee must then confirm or deny the existence of the information and, if confirmed, communicate the information to the individual. The right to have access to the information does not entitle the individual to copies of documents.
There may be a fee to cover costs of providing the information.
Certain types of information are exempt from release as follows:
Cost exemption: cost of providing information exceeds £600
Public Interest exemption: National security or information on prosecutions.
Absolute exemptions: the information is already reasonably accessible; court proceedings; data protected; disclosure would breach confidentiality; prohibition by Court order.
Qualified exemptions: information is soon to be published; disclosure is harmful to the U.K. economic interests; involves details of criminal investigations or civil proceedings; prejudice an accident investigation; prejudice health and safety of staff; information is legally privileged.
PUBLICATION SCHEME
Under the legislation every Sea Fisheries Committee is required to adopt a ‘Publication Scheme’. This scheme provides a second mechanism aiding public access to information held by the Committee. The scheme is intended to reduce the burden to public authorities of responding to requests. The scheme sets out the classes or categories of information that Sea Fisheries Committees publish or intend to publish, how the information is made available and whether or not a charge is levied.
Each Sea Fisheries Committee must submit a draft ’Publication Scheme’ to the ‘Information Commissioner’ for approval. There is a strict deadline for ‘remaining public authorities’ including Sea Fisheries Committees which is 1 June 2004. Further information on the process is available at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk/
The NW&NWSFC Publication Scheme is set out below.
NORTH WESTERN & NORTH WALES
SEA FISHERIES COMMITTEE
PUBLICATION SCHEME
Introduction
The North Western & North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee (NW&NWSFC) is a statutory body with responsibilities for the management and conservation of marine resources within an area from Haverigg Point in the north to Cemaes Head in the south, and six miles offshore from the baselines.
The overall aim of the NW&NWSFC is the sustainable management of the marine environment through the regulation, development and protection of fisheries resources. The Committee strives to conduct its business in an open, honest and transparent manner in order to achieve this aim.
This publication scheme (the scheme) is designed to identify and facilitate access to a range of information gathered, held and used by the NW&NWSFC. The scheme will assist in ensuring that the NW&NWSFC complies with the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
The scheme specifies the classes of information that the Committee publishes or intends to publish. The format in which the information is available, either hard copy, by inspection, through appointment or electronically on the designated website and whether or not the information is available free of charge or on payment of a fee.
Some information will be excluded from publication. Where that is the case the reasons for exclusion will be clearly stated. Excluded throughout the scheme is general correspondence sent or received by the Committee and all information relating to private individuals by virtue of it being personal data under the Data Protection Act 1998.
In certain cases a limitation on the age of some documents has been stipulated. This does not necessarily mean that information beyond a date cannot be obtained but it indicates that it is not readily available as a matter of course within the scheme. If original documents are more readily available from an alternative source, details of that source are specified within the scheme.
The Chief Executive is responsible for the management of the scheme. There are two parts to the scheme:
1 Part 1: Sets out the Core Classes of Information
2 Part 2: Describes the availability of this information.
CORE CLASSES OF INFORMATION
The NW&NWSFC has identified the following core classes of information:
o Role, Function and Management of the Committee
o Committee Internal Practice and Procedure
o Employment Practice and Procedure
o Accounts
o Legislation Relevant to the Committee’s Functions
o Statistical Information
If you have an enquiry about a specific information source or have any comments or suggestions write to or e-mail:
Dr. S.M. Atkins, Chief Executive, North Western & North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YY
Tel: +44 (0524) 68745
E-mail: nwnwsfc@lancaster.ac.uk
PUBLICATION SCHEME: CORE CLASSES
1 ROLE, FUNCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE COMMITTEE
Information: Creation, Set-up and Constitution of the Committee
Description: NW&NWSFC – proceedings, powers and environmental responsibilities
Availability: Copies of relevant documents available for inspection from the Committee's Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster. A standard administration charge may be levied to cover photocopying and postage. Any such charge will be specified at the time of the request and will be payable in advance
2 COMMITTEE INTERNAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
2(a) Committee Proceedings
Information: Constitution and minutes of meetings of the Committee, Sub-Committees, Working Groups and Advisory Panels not excluded under the Local Government Act 1972.
Description: Minuted items on reports presented at Committee meetings, Sub-Committees, Working Groups and Advisory Panels not excluded under the Local Government Act 1972.
Availability: Hard copies of Committee minutes since 1890 are available for inspection at the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster. Hard copies of Officers' reports since 1989 are available for inspection at the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster.
Notes: Copies of reports available by prior appointment. A standard administration charge may be levied to cover photocopying and postage. Any such charge will be specified at the time of the request and will be payable in advance
2(b) Health & Safety
Information: Health and Safety Policy and Task Risk Assessments
Description: Detailed statement of duties and responsibilities, risk assessments and arrangements for safety
Availability: Hard copy available for inspection from the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster. A standard administration charge may be levied to cover photocopying and postage. Any such charge will be specified at the time of the request and will be payable in advance
Notes: Reviewed and updated periodically
3 AUDIT AND ACCOUNTS
Information: Statement of Accounts for the NW&NWSFC.
Description: Detailed statement of the Committee’s accounts published annually.
Availability: Hard copy from the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster by prior appointment. A standard administration charge may be levied to cover photocopying and postage. Any such charge will be specified at the time of the request and will be payable in advance
4 LEGISLATION RELEVANT TO THE COMMITTEE’S FUNCTION
4(a) Byelaws
Information: NW&NWSFC Byelaws
Description: Detailed listing of all current NW&NWSFC byelaws and provisions.
Availability: Full copies of byelaws available from NW&NWSFC website (http://www.nwnwsfc.org/), with explanatory information about certain byelaws. Hard copy available free of charge from the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster.
4(b) Public Notices
Information: Public Notices
Description: Information relating to individual Byelaws and other fisheries legislation.
Availability: Notices posted at various public locations throughout the District. Copies also distributed to interested parties and available from fishing tackle shops, harbour master's offices etc.
Copies of all Public Notices available free of charge from the Committee's Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster.
4(c) Legislation
Information: General Fisheries Legislation produced by UK Government, Welsh Assembly Government, and European Community.
Description: Acts, Statutory Instruments, EC Regulations, and explanatory notes and guidelines
Availability: Copies available for inspection at the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster by prior appointment. A standard administration charge may be levied to cover photocopying and postage. Any such charge will be specified at the time of the request and will be payable in advance.
Acts of Parliament can be downloaded and viewed free of charge from the HMSO website www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/. The TSO website www.tso.co.uk/ provides information for hard copy legislation.
5 STATISTICAL AND INFORMATION
Information: Scientific Survey Data
Description: Quantitative data from surveys of various shellfish beds within the District undertaken to inform fisheries management.
Availability: Copies available for inspection at the Committee Offices, Lancaster University, Lancaster by prior appointment. A standard administration charge may be levied to cover photocopying and postage. Any such charge will be specified at the time of the request and will be payable in advance.