If you are requesting information not included in our Publication Scheme or available in our Open Data library and the cost of complying with the request exceeds £450 (this is calculated on the basis of 18 hours work at £25 per hour) we can make a charge known as ‘prescribed costs’ which include the costs of locating the information, retrieving the information, extracting the information from a document containing it, informing you whether we hold the information and communicating the information to you prior to complying with your request. Alternatively we may refuse your request.

We will inform you as early on in the process as possible if the request is likely to exceed £450 so that you have the option to adjust your request to bring it under the £450 limit.

Where the cost of complying with the request does not exceed £450 we may only charge for disbursements which include photo-copying, printing, postage etc. We will inform you as early on in the process as possible if a charge is payable. Any charges must be paid prior to the information being sent. If fees aren't paid within 90 days then the request will be closed.

Charges will be made in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004, and in accordance with the council’s current charging rates.