Freedom of Information guide
2. Freedom of Information requests
Requests should be in writing and give an address to respond to; email and fax are acceptable.
Verbal requests are not covered by FOI. However, we have a duty to provide reasonable assistance and advice. It is considered good practice to offer to help write the person’s request down and clarify what information they want if this is necessary. The easiest way to do this is to submit our Freedom of Information online form.
You might receive a Freedom of information request directly or from the Freedom of Information team.
Any employee could receive a request. If you do not normally work in an office you must hand the request in at a council office as soon as possible. If there are any problems contact informationrequests@cheshireeast.gov.uk.
Information that can be requested
All information recorded and held by the Council can be requested, even if someone else created it and we do not ‘own’ it.
This might include information about contractors, suppliers and partner organisations, even if they are not defined as ‘Public Authorities‘ under the Act.
Information can be in any format including computer documents , handwritten notes, videos, photographs, even your emails and diaries – this list is not exhaustive.
You can check the information we hold on:
If the information is available on the web site you can send people links to the web pages – you don’t have to copy the information.
Where information is repeatedly being asked for by different people it is a good idea to post that information on our web pages – to save you time and money