1 Overview
Public authorities have a legal obligation to provide information through an approved publication scheme and in response to requests.
A guide to freedom of information requests is available on GOV.UK.
2 View archived FOI requests
Before making a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, check to see if we have already answered a similar request or made this information available in our data store.
Archived FOI requests
You can access FOI requests and responses on the WhatDoTheyKnow online archive.
Open data
In our Performance Framework for 2011/14 we made a commitment to produce and publish data to help residents hold us to account.
Our data store is where data owners from within the County Council release their data and make it available for anyone to use. It includes data about West Sussex, the County Council and its services.
3 Submit a FOI request
If you cannot find the information you require in the WhatDoTheyKnow archive or our data store you can submit an online Freedom of Information (FOI) request to us using the WhatDoTheyKnow link below.
WhatDoTheyKnow is an external agency and will publish your request in full on its website.
Submit a FOI request online: (external link)Alternatively, write to us by email or post; the FOI Act states that requests must be made in writing.
4 Fees and charges
In some cases there will be a cost involved for providing information for a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. For example, we may charge for things like photocopying, translation services or postage. Costs are outlined below.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| A4 or A5 size, black and white | £0.10 per sheet |
| Larger sizes, colour prints, maps and acetates | £1.00 per sheet |
| Transcription services | £1.50 per minute |
| Translating information into other languages | Price on application |
| Converting to other formats | Price on application |
| Special delivery/courier | Price on application |
We will advise you of any charges and ask that they are paid before we proceed with your request.
5 Time to respond to FOI requests
We will respond to your request as soon as possible, and within 20 working days.
We may need to ask you for more details before progressing your enquiry. This will ensure that we supply the correct information to you.