Information requests glossary

• Data is recorded information, whether stored electronically on computer or in paper-based filing systems.

• Data subjects are the people the information is about - you.

• Data controllers are people or organisations - the council - who hold and use personal information.

• Information about air, water, soil, land, flora and fauna, energy, noise, waste and emissions
• Any decisions, measures and activities affecting or likely to affect any of the above
• Financial and cost benefit analysis used in relation to the above
• Information about human health and the food chain, built structures and cultural sites.

• Exceptions are the reasons a public authority can give for withholding information requested under the EIR.

• Exemptions are the reasons a public authority can give for witholding information requested under the Freedom of Information Act - FOIA.

• Personal means that the information is about an identifiable living individual. Personal data can be factual such as a name, address or date of birth or it can be an opinion.

• Public Interest Test ensures that authorities consider whether it serves the interests of the public to disclose or withhold information requested under FOIA or EIR.

• Processing is any activity that involves the data. This includes collecting, recording or retrieving the data, or doing work on the data such as organising, adapting, changing, erasing or destroying it.

• Publication Scheme is a guide to the information the Council routinely publishes including leaflets, brochures, reports and web-based information.

• Sensitive personal data includes information about someone’s racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or other beliefs, trade-union membership, health, sexuality, or criminal proceedings or convictions.

• Subject access rights are the rights you have under the Data Protection Act to get a copy of the information that is held about you.

• Subject Access Requests are requests to have access to records and other related information about you. You make the Subject Access Request to the organisation who you think is holding, using or sharing the personal information you want.