Freedom of Information

Exemptions and Access

While it is the intention of South Ayrshire Council to be as open as possible, some information may be withheld from any of the classes listed where we consider that disclosure may prejudice substantially law enforcement, legal proceedings, or our regulatory or enforcement activity, or where disclosure is otherwise prohibited by law. We may also withhold information that may prejudice substantially the commercial interests of any person or organisation. For the avoidance of any doubt, personal information about individuals is covered by the Data Protection Act 1998 and is expressly excluded from the scheme. In all cases where exemptions apply, we will withhold the information and indicate why that information is being withheld.

If you wish to complain when information is withheld from you, please read the complaints section.

How to access information in the publication scheme

Online: Most of the information listed in our publication scheme can be accessed directly from the Council's web-site www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk. In such instances, the Council's web-site address will be listed with the class of information under contact details. In addition, all South Ayrshire public libraries have public access terminals with Internet facilities [see Section C for a list of library addresses].

By email: If the information you request is not available on the website, but is listed in the publication scheme, we will send it you by email, if practicable.

By telephone: Information can be requested over the telephone. Please provide full contact details, including a telephone number, so that we can clarify any details if necessary.

Personal visits: For some classes of information you will have to make an appointment to view the information. In these cases, the section listed will be able to provide you with inspection details. If you are unable to attend in person, we will make every effort to provide you with copies of the information.

If you require information in a particular format, for example requiring a copy in larger print, Braille, another language or audio cassette, the Council will take all reasonable steps to meet your request.

Paper copies of the publication scheme will be made available at all Council offices and libraries. A searchable version of the scheme is also available.

If you have difficulty determining the information you want to see, please contact us directly.