We follow the Model Publication Scheme from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). This scheme helps promote openness, transparency and accountability by making key council information easy to access.
What does the scheme include?
The scheme outlines:
- seven classes of information we publish or plan to publish
- where to find each type of information (via web links or contact details)
The seven classes of information are:
- Who we are and what we do
- What we spend and how we spend it
- What our priorities are and how we are doing
- How we make decisions
- Our policies and procedures
- Lists and registers
- The services we offer
Limitations to published information
While we aim to be as open as possible, there are times when we cannot publish certain information.
Some information may be limited or withheld due to legal exemptions under:
- the Freedom of Information Act 2000
- the Environmental Information Regulations 2004
- the Data Protection Act 2018
We do not:
- create new information to meet individual requests, we only publish information created for public use.
- publish information already available for public inspection such as planning or licensing registers. Please contact the relevant service to arrange an inspection.
- publish information if:
- it contains personal or confidential data such as housing or anti-social behaviour complaints
- it could harm our commercial interests or those of our partners
- it could affect the health, safety or security of individuals or organisations
- it is restricted by law or court order
- it relates to ongoing legal proceedings
- it would significantly disrupt our operations or those of other organisations
If the information you’re looking for is not in our Publication Scheme, please contact:
Freedom of Information Officer
Legal Services Division
Civic Centre
Hartlepool
TS24 8AY
Email: freedomofinformation@hartlepool.gov.uk
Charges and inspection
Most information is free of charge. However, we may charge for:
- printed copies
- CD-ROMs
- large or multiple printouts
- postage
We will let you know in advance if a charge applies.
Some information may be available for inspection by appointment. Please contact the relevant team to arrange this.
Copyright
Information provided under the scheme is protected by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, unless otherwise stated.
You may use it for:
- personal use
- non-commercial research
- news reporting
For commercial use, you must request permission. We may:
- issue a standard re-use licence
- charge a fee based on commercial gain
For third party content, you must contact the original copyright holder.
Transparency Code
We publish data in line with the Local Government Transparency Code 2015. The code sets out the minimum data and information that all local authorities must publish, the frequency it should be published and how it should be published. Including:
- spending over £500
- contracts and tenders
- land and assets
- senior salaries
- parking and trade union data