Dear Sir or Madam

Please detail total expenditure by Ballymoney Borough Council on
Common Purpose courses for each of the following years: 1997, 1998,
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 to
date.

Please also supply a copy of the invoice for each Common Purpose
course paid for by Ballymoney Borough Council.

By "Common Purpose", I mean the training organisation of that name:
http://www.commonpurpose.org/home.aspx

Yours faithfully,

Mrs C Carter

Ref: FOI-06/08/031
Date: 25/6/08
To: Caroline Carter

Dear Caroline,

Thank you for your request for information re. training organisation Common Purpose. We are now commencing the process of dealing with your request.

An explanatory leaflet is enclosed for your information. (See Appendix D)

If we need to charge a fee for your request we will inform you of this.

Thank you for your interest

Yours etc.

Elizabeth Johnston
Head of Corporate & Development Services
email: [Ballymoney Borough Council request email]
phone: 028 2766 0244

Appendix D
 
 
 
Freedom of Information Act 2000
Publicity and Access Procedures.
1. Introduction.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 was passed on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information, (although certain exemptions have been provided), held by public authorities.
One of the responsibilities under the Act is to produce and maintain a publication scheme, which is designed to allow easy access to information not routinely available from other sources. The publication scheme must set out the types of information the authority publishes, the format(s) in which it is available and details of any charges. Council's Publication Scheme is available by request from Riada House, Council Headquarters Tel. (028) 2766 0200 or via the Council's website www.ballymoney.gov.uk
All public authorities will be required to deal with individual requests from 1st January 2005 when the general right of access to information held by public authorities comes into force. Anyone will be able make a request for information, although the request must be made in writing.
2. What information can be requested?
You can make a request to see or to have copies of any records which are held by Ballymoney Borough Council. However some records may not be available if they are covered by an exemption.
There are two categories of exempt information under the Act: Non-absolute exemptions and absolute exemptions. Where we are claiming an exemption under the Act, we must inform you of the specific exemption which we are claiming and why it applies, within 20 working days.
If the information requested is covered by an Absolute exemption, we do not have to consider disclosing it in the public interest, nor do we have to state whether or not we hold the information in question.
If the information requested is covered by a Non-absolute exemption, we have to consider the public interest in confirming or denying that the information exists and in disclosing information Ballymoney Borough Council may disclose information, even where an exemption applies, if the public interest in disclosure outweighs the public interest in maintaining the exemption.
 
 
 
3. How do I make a request for information?
Your request must be made in writing, (including emails) giving details of your contact information and a detailed description of the information, which you are requesting. In order to assist you, Ballymoney Borough Council has introduced an access request form which is available on request.
4. When will I receive the information?
We will respond to requests promptly and in any event, within 20 working days. If a charge applies or if additional information is required to deal with the request, this may lengthen the response time. In cases where information is covered by an exemption, but we are required to consider the public interest in releasing it, we will endeavour to provide the information, wherever possible, within the 20 working day target.
5. When will there be a charge?
Ballymoney Borough Council believes strongly in openness so we will attempt to keep the cost of information as low as possible. There is no charge for making a request, the charge will only apply before you are granted access to the records (if applicable). However, where it is necessary to charge for information you will be informed when you make your request.
6. Can I appeal against the decision?
You have rights of review and appeal against our decisions to withhold information; about the amount of fees we have decided to charge, or if you are generally dissatisfied with the way your request has been handled.
These rights consist of two review processes. Firstly, by using our internal Complaints procedure which is available from Council Headquarters ot secondly by appealing directly to the Office of the Information Commissioner Tel: 028 90 511200 or, in writing: Information Commissioner's Office - Northern Ireland, Room 101
Regus House,33 Clarendon Dock, Laganside, Belfast,BT1 3BG
 
 
Note: The Commissioner expects that the internal complaints procedure is completed before an appeal is made.
7. Where do I send my request?
Ballymoney Borough Council, Riada House, 14 Charles Street, Ballymoney BT53 6DZ.
Email@ [Ballymoney Borough Council request email]
 

Elizabeth Johnston
Head of Corporate & Development Services
Ballymoney Borough Council
Riada House, 14 Charles Street
Ballymoney, BT53 6DZ
tel: 028 2766 0244
Fax: 028 2766 3852
email: [email address]

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Ref: FOI-06/08/031
Date: 25/6/08
To: Caroline Carter

Dear Caroline,
I refer to my acknowledgement of 25/6/08.
There is no record of any payments by this Council to Common Purpose.
Yours sincerely,

Elizabeth Johnston
Head of Corporate & Development Services
Ballymoney Borough Council
Riada House, 14 Charles Street
Ballymoney, BT53 6DZ
tel: 028 2766 0244
Fax: 028 2766 3852
email: [email address]

show quoted sections