Information rights help people understand how public bodies use information and, where the law provides, obtain access to recorded information. They also depend on sound records management: an authority must know what information it holds and manage it properly before it can respond reliably.
Information held by Rosehaven Council
A request can only be handled by an authority that holds the relevant information. As Rosehaven Council begins operating, it will create official records through its democratic, administrative and service functions. The council's information-rights arrangements will need to explain how people can request information held by Rosehaven and how those requests are handled.
Records held elsewhere
Rosehaven's establishment does not transfer records from another public body. Information held by United Hampshire Government, the Steadfast & Hearth Combined Sphere Authority or another authority remains information of that organisation unless it is lawfully transferred. Requests concerning those records need to be directed to the body that actually holds them.
Personal information
Access to general recorded information is distinct from the handling of a person's own personal information. As Rosehaven begins collecting personal data, the relevant privacy information will explain why it is used, how it is handled and the rights that apply. Service-specific privacy information will accompany services that collect personal information.
Publication and transparency
Proactive publication can reduce the need for individual requests. Council constitutions, meeting papers, decisions, policies, reports and other transparency material should be published through the part of the website that gives the record proper context when those records exist.
Current position
Rosehaven Council has not commenced ordinary administration and does not currently advertise an information-rights request channel. This page will be updated with the authorised request route and applicable guidance when the council is in a position to receive and manage requests.