Policy and performance

There are different types of request and Medway Council wants to deal with them all in the most efficient way. If you are applying for information that does not fit into the criteria of a data protection, operational or service request and the information that you require is not in the Publication Scheme, you may want to make a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

If, for example, the information concerns environmental matters, the council will release the information under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. This type of request will be dealt with the same way as a Freedom of Information request but the council does not expect you to specify the particular piece of legislation that is to be used. You do not have to say that you are asking for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 or the Data Protection Act 1998. Definitions of the different types of requests are as follows:

Data protection request

The Data Protection Act 1998 ensures that individuals can access information held by public authorities about themselves. More information and advice on how to request information under this Act, is available on this website.

Operational information request

An operational information request is a request for information on how, why, when or where a service operates. Examples of an operational request would be:

• What times do libraries, waste sites or local offices open?
• When do my bins get collected?
• Where can I get benefit help and advice?
• When are the school holidays?

Operational requests can often be dealt with through the frequently asked questions facility of this website.

Service request

A service request is made when a member of the public requests services from Medway Council. This can range from advice on trees to requests for adult residential care. Examples of a service request would be for:

^ (back to top)