Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority is committed to openness, transparency and accountability. We aim to make information easily accessible and to respond appropriately to requests for information in line with our legal obligations.
This statement explains your rights and how to request information from us.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), you have the right to request recorded information held by Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority. This may include information about our policies, decisions, services, spending and governance arrangements.
Anyone can make a request, regardless of where they live, and you do not need to explain why you are asking for the information.
Information We Publish
We proactively publish a wide range of information through our Publication Scheme, including:
- Our governance structure, strategies and policies
- Decisions, reports and meeting papers
- Financial and spending information
- How we operate and deliver services
- Partnerships and programmes we support
The Publication Scheme is available on this website and is regularly reviewed to ensure information remains up to date and accessible.
How to Make a Freedom of Information Request
Requests for information must be made in writing. This can be by email, letter or an online form (where available).
Your request should include:
- Your name
- A contact email or postal address
- A clear description of the information you are seeking
Please send FOI requests to:
Information Governance / Freedom of Information
Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority
Email: contact@cheshireandwarrington-ca.gov.uk
Address: Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority c/o Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BA
We will normally respond within 20 working days, in line with statutory timescales.
Exemptions and Withheld Information
Some information may be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. This includes, for example:
- Personal data protected by data protection legislation
- Commercially sensitive information
- Information intended for future publication
- Information where disclosure would be prejudicial or not in the public interest
Where information is withheld, we will explain the reasons and identify the relevant exemption.
Environmental Information
Requests for environmental information are handled under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR). These cover issues such as land use, transport infrastructure, emissions and environmental policies.
EIR requests can be made verbally or in writing and will usually be responded to within 20 working days.
Access to Personal Data
If you are requesting access to your own personal information, this is dealt with under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, rather than FOIA.
Please see our Privacy Notice for information on how to make a Subject Access Request.
Reviews and Complaints
If you are dissatisfied with how your request has been handled, you may ask us to carry out an internal review. Details of how to request a review will be included in our response.
If you remain unhappy after the internal review, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Website: https://ico.org.uk