Environmental Information Regulations
The Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) are similar to
the Freedom of Information Act but are limited specifically to
information regarding the environment. The EIR grant a right
for any individual to request access to environmental
information held by public authorities such as Malvern Hills
District Council and for public authorities to take steps to
proactively make environmental information available to the
public.
General Information on the Environmental Information
Regulations 2004 (EIR)
This page summarises general obligations which apply
to Malvern Hills District Council as a public
authority under the EIR. Greater detail can be found on the
Information Commissioners website www.ico.gov.uk or the Department
for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website www.defra.gov.uk
Requests for information
Any individual is entitled to ask the
Council for access to environmental information
that we hold and a response will usually be given within
twenty working days.
A request under the Environmental Information Regulations need
not be in writing but to ensure that we
provide accurate and timely information, it would help
if any request under EIRs is submitted in writing.
To make a request for information under the
EIRs or to find out about the
Council's Schedule of Charges, please see our Freedom of
Information page.
Exceptions
The Regulations allow the Council to withhold
information if it falls within certain categories. An absolute
exception may apply where the requested information is the personal
data of someone other than the subject of that data. In all other
cases, we must consider whether the public interest in
applying the exception outweighs the public interest in disclosing
the requested information.
This may apply when:
- The request is manifestly unreasonable.
- The request is for incomplete data.
- Disclosure would adversely affect international relations,
defence, national security or public safety
- Disclosure would adversely affect intellectual property
rights
- Disclosure would adversely affect the protection of the
environment to which it relates.
Further details on the exceptions and how they apply can be
found on the Information Commissioner's website www.ico.gov.uk or the Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website www.defra.gov.uk
Complaints and appeals
You are entitled to complain to us if you are not happy with the
Council's response to your request. Your complaint will be
reviewed internally. If you are not happy with outcome of the
internal review of your request, you can appeal to the Information
Commissioner's Office.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG)
Malvern Hills Distirct Council also publish their annual
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(GHG).
