The Freedom of Information Act 2000 received Royal Assent on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on public authorities. Any person who makes a request to a public authority for information must be informed whether the public authority holds that information and, subject to exemptions, supplied with that information.

Individuals already have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998. As far as public authorities are concerned, the Freedom of Information extends this right to allow public access to all types of information held.

Every public authority is required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme setting out the classes of information it holds, the manner in which it intends to publish the information, and whether a charge will be made for the information. The purpose of a scheme is to ensure a significant amount of information is available, without the need for a specific request. Schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish more information proactively and to develop a greater culture of openness.

The Council adopted the Model Publication Scheme (Core Classes and Optional Classes of Information) in November 2002 and the Scheme was accepted by the Commissioner in January 2003.

Stoke Goldington Parish Council fully supports the aims of the Act and will make available not only the minimum information required by the Act but also optional classes where applicable. All information will be available for inspection at the Parish Office by appointment with the Clerk at: