Data Protection and Freedom of Information
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Data Protection
The Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) provides you with a right of access to information held about you. It does not just apply to public authorities. The Act regulates how a body like Inverclyde Council collects, processes, stores, and where appropriate, discloses personal information (data) held by it on computer and/or in manual files. In terms of the DPA, Inverclyde Council is the Data Controller of the information it holds about you.
Generally, personal information (data) is information that relates to a living individual who can be identified from that information, for example, your name and address. The DPA also protects ‘sensitive’ information you supply to the Council, such as, information about your health, racial or ethnic origin and the commission or alleged commission of any offence.
There are links on this page to the Council's Data Protection Policy and to the terms of the Data Protection Act 2018 itself.
Subject Access Requests - Important Information
Please be advised that due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic it will be unlikely that Subject Access Requests are answered within their statutory time-scales. The Council is working hard to ensure that resources are focused on delivering and supporting essential services. Further information can be found by clicking on the document link “Important Update – Subject Access Requests and Coronavirus (Covid-19)” shown on this page.
We appreciate your understanding during this unprecedented situation.
Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came into effect on 1 January 2005 with the aim of increasing openness and accountability in Government and across the public sector. Please follow the links on this page to find out more information.
Freedom of Information – Important Information
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council is having to prioritise essential services at this time. This may have an impact on our ability to meet statutory response times. However, we will continue to try and respond to requests as promptly as possible
Further information and guidance to requestors can be found in the Scottish Information Commissioner’s COVID-19 and FOI Information Hub. The link for this can be found by clicking the external link shown on this page.
Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004
The Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 apply to all Scottish Public Authorities and give the public rights to see information related to the environment.
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 (RIPSA)
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 (RIPSA) provides a legal framework for the use, deployment, duration and effectiveness of covert surveillance and the use of covert human intelligence sources.
Inverclyde Council employees must comply with the Act and adhere to the authorisation procedures specified in the Council’s RIPSA Policy and Procedure.