About the Publication Scheme

Local authorities are under a legal obligation to produce and implement a Publication Scheme. In its basic form, it is a guide to the information that a local authority routinely publishes or intends to publish and allows a significant amount of information to be made available without an individual having to make a specific request for information.

This legal requirement has been introduced by the Government so as to make more open and transparent the business of local authorities and other public bodies covered by the Freedom of Information Act (The Act). The Act enables the public to have greater access rights to information held by local authorities promoting openness and transparency.  

In preparing the scheme the Council has to take into account the public interest in publishing as much information as possible. In particular the scheme seeks to include the types of information which people normally ask for by providing classes which cover the complete spectrum of the Council's activities from decision-making to service performance and complaints.   

Future Development

The Council's Information Management Unit is responsible for reviewing and updating the scheme on a regular basis. The scheme has to be reviewed and re-submitted to the Information Commissioner every three years.

The Publication Scheme can be accessed for free on the Council's website. If you require a paper copy this can be made available by contacting Information Management. 

The Publication Scheme is available in English and Welsh. If an individual has difficulty with these languages or requires large print or Braille, or audio tape, they should contact Information Management.