Publication Scheme for Shropshire Council

What is a publication scheme?

A publication scheme is a description of the kinds of information that a public authority should make routinely available and the ways it makes information available.

Public authorities must adopt a publication scheme approved by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).  To make sure that there is consistency in the release of information, the ICO has developed a model publication scheme that any public authority can use.  The publication scheme commits an authority to make information available as part of its normal business activities.

The Council has adopted the model scheme.  This is our legal commitment to routinely make available the kinds of information which the ICO requires us to.

We are making the majority of information available free and through our website.  Where we are unable to do so we have provided contact details that people can use to access the information, for example who to contact to arrange for information to be sent out to you or where to come and view the information.

The model scheme

The model scheme classifies information at a high level and broadly states the way authorities can provide information and what they can charge for.

The model specifies seven classes of information. To maximise the routine release of information the categories have been set at a high level. Most information that a public authority holds falls into the seven classes.

These are the 7 classes of information we must make available.

1. Who we are and what we do

Organisational information, structures, locations and contacts, constitutional and legal governance

2. What we spend and how we spend it

Financial information about projected and actual income and expenditure, procurement, contracts and financial audit. 

3. What our priorities are and how we are doing

Strategies and performance information, plans, assessments, inspections and reviews. 

4. How we make decisions

Policies, proposal and decisions, decision-making processes, internal criteria and procedures, consultations.

5. Our policies and procedures

Current written protocols, policies and procedures for delivering our services and responsibilities. 

6. Lists and registers

Information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority.

7. The services we offer

Advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, transactions and media releases.  A description of the services offered.

Requesting information from the publication scheme

If you cannot find the information that you think should be made routinely available on the website, or details of how you can obtain the information, please contact us and explain what information you are seeking.  The contact details are the same as for making Freedom of Information requests.

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