We will always try to provide answers to information requests under the Freedom of Information Act, but there are some exceptions:

• We are not obliged to answer any request that will cost us more than £450 (or two and a half days’ staff time). However, if you are willing to pay the full cost of the work and if we want to answer such a question, we will provide the information requested.
• We can refuse to answer a question if the we think it is not in the public interest. We must have good reasons to do this, though.
• We may refuse any requests that we believe are submitted only to create a nuisance.
• We do not have to reply to any questions if the fee (if applicable) is not paid within three months of the question being submitted.

We cannot release any information that is covered by the [Data Protection Act,]

• such as personal information about another person.
• We will refuse to give any information that the law says must be exempted.

We have a duty to say if we hold any information that matches that described in your request, even if we cannot supply you with that information.

Date Published: 28/03/08