Freedom of information
The Freedom of Information Act is about making
information available to the public to increase accountability and
transparency in the decisions we make and about the services we
provide.
The Act places two main duties on us:
- To adopt and maintain a
publication scheme
- To deal with individual requests for information
Kent Fire and Rescue Service will demonstrate and deliver, by
words and action, commitment to openness and accountability and to
servicing the public's general right of access to information held
by KFRS.
Making a request for information
We already make a lot of information available, so check first
this website and our publications scheme.
Or send your request in writing by email to information.officer@kent.fire-uk.org
In a letter to: Information Officer, Kent Fire and
Rescue Service, The Godlands, Straw Mill Hill, Tovil, Maidstone
ME15 6XB
Your request must include:
- Your name
- Your address or e-mail address
- A description of the information you wish to
obtain
- Any preferences for the format for receiving the
information
When we get a request for information, we have to respond
promptly within 20 working days. We will consider your request, and
let you know if we can provide the information you requested, or
explain why we can't. Most information will be made available by
email or post. If you want to receive information in a particular
way or format, then please contact us.
When information may be withheld
The Freedom of Information Act sets out exemptions which, in
some circumstances, allow us to withhold requested information. If
we decide we want to rely on an exemption so that we can withhold
information you have requested, we will tell you which exemption
has been applied and explain the reason why it is applicable.
Charging for information
Some information is already available via our publication
scheme, but there may be some information that you might need to
pay for. We will aim to give you an idea of the cost as quickly as
possible, requesting payment of the fee. The information you have
requested will only be provided to you once the full fee is
received (and if by cheque, once the cheque has cleared).
We reserve the right to refuse to respond to a request for
information where the costs will exceed £450. If we decide to do
this you will be informed and we will give you the reason for this
decision. Generally speaking we may refuse to respond to a request
for information where the cost of doing so would be
disproportionate or where there is some other means available to
the applicant to access the information. Where we estimate that the
limit will be exceeded we are not obliged to comply with the
request and will inform the applicant by way of a Refusal
Notice.
As part of the duty to provide advice and assistance to
applicants, we should consider explaining what, if any, information
could be provided within the cost limit and advise the applicant
that they should consider narrowing down their request.
We may be willing to provide the information even where the cost
exceeds the limit if the applicant is willing to pay the full costs
in dealing with the request.
Please note that where a request is dealt with under the
Environmental Information Regulations 2004, we will not refuse to
respond to the request on the basis of costs.
Under the
Environmental Information Regulations, requests can also be
made verbally.
Information owned by another organisation
We hold some information which we may not own or have
responsibility for. In this case, where reasonably practical, we
will aim to consult the owners of the information before we decide
whether or not we are able to disclose the information.
When we receive a request for information that we do not hold or
own, we will help you, as far as reasonable, to transfer your
request to the relevant organisation. If we transfer your request,
we'll ask for your permission first.
Making a complaint
We will always try to help you with queries and requests for
information. But if you do have a complaint, please follow our
complaint procedures. Information about this can be found under
Complaints and Compliments.