Freedom of information

The publication scheme is a guide to the types of information the council intends to routinely make available to the public. The Information Commissioner has issued a model publication scheme that we have adopted.

How to request additional information not covered by the scheme

Any information not available through our publication scheme can be made:

• through our online request for information form
• by email freedomofinformation@slough.gov.uk or
• by writing to the FOI department, Slough Borough Council, Observatory House, 25 Windsor Road, Slough, SL1 2EL. The request must contain your full name, postal or email address for the reply and must explain clearly what information you want. If your request is not clear or is too broad we may ask you to clarify it.

Charges for information

Material which is published and accessed on the website can be downloaded free of charge. Some information may only be available in hard copy and some information will only be available for inspection. Some documents are produced exclusively for sale (electronic or hard copy) and there may be an additional charge for these. If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided. Payment will be requested prior to the provision of the information.

The model scheme lists seven broad classes of information. Links provided below give examples of the information available.

1. Who we are and what we do

• Contact us
• Location and opening times of council offices
• Council's structure chart
• Constitution
• Councillors / Mayor of Slough / parish councils / MP
• Elections

2. What we spend and how we spend it

• Annual statement of accounts
• Council budget
• Payments to suppliers
• Pay scales and grades
• Senior managers' roles and remuneration
• Members allowance scheme
• Tenders and procurement

3. What our priorities are and how we are doing

• Corporate plans and strategies
• Priority Delivery Groups
• Regeneration
• Key statistics and data

4. How we make decisions

• How the council works
• Council committees explained
• Council committee meetings, agendas and minutes
• Overview and scrutiny
• Constitution
• Consultation and engagement
• Complaints and feedback

5. Our policies, procedures and strategies

• Corporate plans and strategies
• Adult social care
• Children and families
• Community learning and skills
• Community safety
• Emergency planning
• Environment and planning
• Equality, diversity and cohesion
• Council resources
• Housing and neighbourhood services
• Licensing
• Transport and streets
• Parking

6. Lists and registers

There are many lists and registers held by the council. If you would like details of a specific list or register please complete and submit our online request for information form, or email freedomofinformation@slough.gov.uk with your request.

7. The services we offer

• A-Z of services
• Slough Family Information Service
• Advice and guidance
• Business support and advice
• Media releases

Notes on the above classes of information

The classes of information will not generally include:

• the disclosure of information which is prevented by law, or exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, or is otherwise properly considered to be protected from disclosure
• information in draft form
• information that is no longer readily available as it is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is difficult to access for similar reasons
• information will be provided in the language in which it is held
• obligations under disability and discrimination legislation and any other legislation to provide information in other forms and formats will be adhered to when providing information in accordance with this scheme.