Dear Mr Lister

FOI - Advisory Panel on Beacon Councils

I am writing in response to your e-mail of 5 April requesting information about the names of local authorities. Your request has been considered under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

The information that you have requested is exempt information under section 21 of the Act as it is already in the public domain and reasonably accessible to you by other means.

A list of all the local authorities in the UK is on the Directgov website at -

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/Localcouncils/AToZOfLocalCouncils/DG_A-Z_LG

Communities and Local Government as an organisation aims to be as helpful as possible in the way it deals with requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. If, however, you are not satisfied with the way in which your request has been handled or the outcome, you may request an internal review within two calendar months of the date of this letter. Information about the Department's review procedures and how to apply for an internal review of your case is contained on the Department's website at -

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/corporate/pdf/1384250.pdf.

This also explains your right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision in the event that you remain dissatisfied following the Department's review.

Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted this Department's Internal Review procedure. The Information Commissioner`s address and contact details are set out in the above leaflet.

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Yours sincerely

Rachel Lundy

Improving Place Performance Division