Freedom of Information (FoI)
The Freedom of Information Act (FoI) introduced a statutory right of access to information held by public authorities from 1 January 2005.
Due to the current situation it may take us a bit longer to respond to your request. We apologise for any delays and will respond to your request as soon as possible.
Coronavirus Pandemic - Advice from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
The ICO recognises the unprecedented challenges all are facing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In particular we understand that resources, whether they are finances or people, may be diverted away from usual compliance or information rights work. Whilst we can’t extend statutory timescales, we will not be penalising public authorities for prioritising other areas or adapting their usual approach during this extraordinary period.
To read in full, and for further information, go to the ICO website at the following link: https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/news-and-events/icos-blog-on-its-information-rights-work/
Under the Act, except for certain circumstances and exemptions, any person making a request for information is entitled to “be informed in writing whether the Fire Authority holds information of the description specified in the request and, if so, to have that information communicated to them.”
A variety of information about Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Authority and the Fire and Rescue Service is available on this Website and you can also request other information from us.
The Freedom of Information Act requires all requests for information to:
- be in writing (which includes a request transmitted by electronic means), in legible form and capable of being used for subsequent reference.
- state the name of the applicant and a correspondence address.
- describe the information requested.
Please send your request for information to:
E-mail Governance@bedsfire.gov.uk
Post The Freedom of Information Officer, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Southfields Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7NR
Publication Scheme
Every public authority must produce and maintain a publication scheme to ensure that a significant amount of information is made available to the public without the need for a specific request.
Our publication scheme includes information about the Freedom of Information Act, our commitment to openness, what a publication scheme is, how publication schemes work and how to contact us.
The scheme outlines the different information we publish, the types of information available, details of how it is made available and any charges that might apply.