The regulations coincide with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to make more information available to the public. This page gives an introduction to using the regulations and their implications for councils. If you would like to view more detailed information about the regulations please view the useful website links on the right.

What is Environmental Information?

Environmental Information is classed under the regulations as:

• The state of the elements of the environment (i.e. air, water, soil, land etc.) and the interaction between them.
• Factors such as substances, energy, noise radiation & waste that could affect the elements above.(Such as flooding, loss of habitat & noise)
• Emissions, discharges and other releases into the atmosphere.
• The state of human health and safety, contamination of the food chain, conditions of life & cultural or building sites affected by the elements.
• Policies, legislation , plan, programmes and administrative measures that could affect the environment and their economic analysis of such.

How do I make a request?

Requests for environmental information can be made in writing (email, fax, letter) or verbally (in person or telephone). Before making a request it is advisable to check the catalogue of information by following the link on the right, where publications and useful information is listed. You can request to have the information in any desired format but the council is under no legal obligation to do so if it is unreasonable to provide another format.  Requests to Dorset Councils can be sent to the Freedom of Information Officers on the contacts below.

Can I see all information held by the council?

No, as with the Freedom of Information act the regulations set out exceptions for information that can't be released. There are two types of exceptions stand alone and 'adverse effect'. All exceptions can be overruled if the information's release is in the public interest. For more information on the exceptions to the regulations please view the Defra link on the right. The provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 are not affected.

How do I make a complaint or appeal a decision?

If you are unhappy with a decision made by the council concerning a request for information then you can apply for an internal review of the decision. If you remain dissatisfied then your appeal can be taken to the Information Commissioner.

We are always happy to hear any comments or suggestions that you have on the way in which we provide information. If you would like to make a recommendation please forward your comments to the appropriate contact below.

• Name: Freedom of Information Officer (West Dorset)
  Email: foi@westdorset-dc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 251010
  Fax: 01305 251481
  Full details for Freedom of Information Officer (West Dorset)
• Name: Freedom of Information Officer (Dorset County Council)
  Email: foi@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 225191
  Full details for Freedom of Information Officer (Dorset County Council)
• Name: Freedom of Information (East Dorset)
  Email: foi@eastdorset.gov.uk
  Full details for Freedom of Information (East Dorset)
• Name: Freedom of Information Officer (Christchurch)
  Email: foi@christchurch.gov.uk
  Tel: 01202 495002
  Full details for Freedom of Information Officer (Christchurch)