Pilning & Severn Beach Parish Council is committed to openness and transparency. Members of the public have the right to request information held by the Council under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Before submitting a request, you may wish to check whether the information is already publicly available on our website, including:
- Agendas and Minutes
- Policies and Procedures
- Financial Information
- Planning Responses
- News and Notices
If the information is already published, we will normally direct you to the relevant webpage.
How to Make a Freedom of Information Request
Your request must be made in writing. You can submit a request by:
Email: clerk@pilningsevernbeach-pc.gov.uk
Post: 6 Vicarage Road, Pilning, South Gloucestershire BS35 4LN
Please include:
- Your name
- A contact email or postal address
- A clear description of the information you are requesting
We may contact you to clarify your request if more detail is needed.
What Happens Next
The Council will acknowledge your request and aim to respond within 20 working days, as required by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
In some cases we may:
- Provide the information requested
- Confirm that the information is not held
- Apply an exemption where permitted by law
- Ask for clarification if the request is unclear
If a request is considered excessive or repetitive, we may refuse it under the Act.
Environmental Information
Requests relating to environmental matters may be handled under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, which have similar rights of access.
Charges
Most requests are free of charge. However, the Council may charge reasonable fees for:
- Large volumes of printing or photocopying
- Postage costs
- Extensive staff time where permitted under legislation
You will be informed in advance if a fee applies.
Personal Data
If your request relates to your own personal information, this may be handled as a Subject Access Request under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 instead of FOI legislation.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with the response you receive, you may request an internal review by contacting the Parish Clerk.
If you remain dissatisfied, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
https://ico.org.uk
Tel: 0303 123 1113
Last reviewed: February 2026