Access to Information

Public authorities hold a vast quantity of information, most of which is accessible by a framework of legislation. Information is accessible, unless it is subject to an exemption which prevents its disclosure, under the Data Protection Act 1998, Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. Each piece of legislation covers different types of information.

Information Governance and Compliance

Information Governance and compliance is a relatively new concept. It enables organisations and individuals to ensure that information is dealt with legally, securely, efficiently and effectively. Torbay Council's Information Governance & Compliance Teams help to ensure that the Council handles any information it holds, such as that about its employees and other individuals (for example rate payers, benefit claimants and users of library services), within the terms of the relevant legislation, and uses that information in a compliant manner to best support business functions and deliver services.

Information held by Torbay Council is covered by various pieces of legislation:

Data Protection Act 1998 Protects individuals privacy by regulating the way data is processed and allows individuals to ask what data is held about them.	Freedom of Information Act 2000 Means anyone will be able to request to see, or have provided to them, non-personal information held by Torbay Council.
The Publication Scheme Provides guidance on finding information held by the Council according to its type.	Environmental Information Regulations 2004 Covers air/atmosphere, water, soil, land, landscape and natural sites, noise, radiation and biological diversity.
Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 Allows people to apply to re-use information held by the Council.	Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 Surveillance activities are regulated to ensure compliance with the principles of the Human Rights Act 1998.
Public Trust Charter A summary of how we look after the information that you give to the Council.