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

Information available under our publication scheme will normally be available through the routes described below. Section B - Classes of Information provides more details on the information available under the scheme, along with additional guidance, where relevant, on how the information falling within each ‘class’ may be accessed.

Online: Most of the information listed in our publication scheme is available to view at Disclosure Log. In such instances, where possible, a hyperlink will be listed in Section B: Classes of Information to direct you to the relevant page or document. If no links are provided in Section B you can use our website’s “Search” facility.

If you are still having difficulty finding any document listed under our scheme, please contact the relevant office using the number listed, for assistance.

In addition, all South Ayrshire public libraries have public access terminals with Internet facilities [see Section C for a list of library addresses].

By e-mail: If the information you seek is listed in the publication scheme but is not available on the website, or if you do not have access to the Internet, we will send it to you by e-mail, if practicable. If you wish to submit a request by e-mail, please click on the E-mail Address shown in Section B: Classes of Information against the information you wish to see

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. Please call the telephone number shown in Section B: Classes of Information against the information you wish to see.

By post: Most information is also available in a paper copy form. Please address your request to the appropriate department. When writing to us to request information, please include your name and address, full details of the information or documents you would like to receive, and any fee applicable (see Item 12: Our Charging Policy for further information on fees). Please also include a telephone number so we can contact you to clarify any details, if necessary.

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 available on the Disclosure Log

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